Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue has assured the agri-food sector that there are sufficient supplies of feed and fertiliser in Ireland for the next number of months. The Minister’s response came after a parliamentary question (PQ) was posed by T.D. Colm Burke. The PQ was about the engagement on import substitution for certain agricultural produce.
Minister McConalogue says he is meeting with key stakeholders in the agri-food and marine sectors on “an ongoing basis” to discuss the impacts the global crisis has on supply chains, particularly in relation to the viability of farmers as primary producers.
Earlier this month, the European Commission announced a package of measures to assist the sector, including a €500 million package to support farmers most affected. Under this package, Ireland will receive an allocation of €15.8 million.
McConalogue says “I will be examining ways to best mobilise this support as soon as possible, taking account of the detailed requirements and conditionality attached to this exceptional aid provision.” The minister has also acknowledged that at a farm level, one of the most severe impacts has been the rise in cost of inputs, including animal feed, fertiliser and fuel
Speaking about the pig sector, the minister says the impacts will be felt most sharply, where feed costs represent a significant portion of overall production costs.
Referencing actions he has already taken in response to the crisis, the minister mentioned the formation of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee, the formation of a Rapid Response Team to monitor agri-food supply chains, and the rollout of the €7 million emergency aid scheme for pig farmers.