Advance payment of subsidies urged

One of the wettest summers on record has resulted in “near catastrophic” farming conditions.

President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association John Comer called for acknowledgement of the issues facing farmers.

“We’re receiving reports from around the country about the failure to harvest silage crops, poor grazing conditions, and reduced milk production as well as the pressures arising from increased costs and the sharp reduction in milk prices.”

Irish Farmers’ Association president John Bryan estimates that half of the crop has not been saved this year.

Mr Comer urged the Department of Agriculture to issue any outstanding payments. He and said it was essential that inspectors recognised the pressures on farmers and took a reasonable approach where weather-related issues arose.

Both Mr Comer and Mr Bryan called on Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to guarantee that he will secure an advance of 50% on the single farm payment for October, and ensure the full payout of disadvantaged area payments in September.