CLARE’S Independent TD Dr Michael Harty has called on Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to be more proactive in dealing with future fodder crises.

He appealed to the Minister to set up a national farm emergency group that would include the Minister, Teagasc, Met Éireann and the major farming organisations and co-operatives in order to anticipate problems.

“It is too late for this year but for next year and the year after, it is very important. Climate change is here to stay. Long wet winters are going to be the norm rather than the exception.

“We have to anticipate that there will be fodder crises. We may even have to change farming practices and look at stocking numbers and the way in which we feed cattle in the future,” Dr Harty said.

Dr Harty commended Shannon Airport for their efforts in helping farmers to deal with the fodder crisis by offering to harvest their 400 acre site, yielding a total of 1,500 to 2,000 bales.

“Shannon Airport is a community-based airport and it should be recognised for what it is about to do for the farming community,” he added.

He believes that farmers should not be required to pay upfront for the cost of transporting the fodder.

He suggested that an adequate and easily accessible hardship fund should be put in place for farmers.

“It is also important that low-interest loans, or the facility for such loans, should be made available to farmers in the context of feeding their animals,” Dr Harty said.

Dr Harty pointed out that farmers and families are under huge mental stress and that this needs to be recognised.

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If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.