Emergency farmer aid available in summer

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said emergency aid for farmers hit by the fodder crisis will be available in the summer if needed but that a special transport subsidy for supplies will close this Friday.

Mr Coveney rejected calls in the Dáil last night for a special taskforce to ease pressure on farmers affected by the recent cold weather.

Opposition party TDs claimed that, despite the improved weather for grass growth in recent days, the fodder crisis could continue into next year.