Long hot summer forecasts hard winter to come for Irish farmers

Labour Agriculture spokesperson Willie Penrose TD is calling on Government to provide assurances of assistance for farmers impacted by intense hot weather and drought conditions this summer, saying the Minister’s stakeholder group isn’t enough.

Deputy Penrose said:

“With temperatures reaching record highs this June farmers are taking the brunt of the impact. Many are still feeling the impact of the fodder shortage with animals already being fed supplies which were due to be kept for the coming winter. Crop farmers are now facing the loss of up to half their projected yields due to the unusually high temperatures and lack of rain in recent months.

“Government were somewhat tardy in responding adequately during the fodder crisis and should have learned their lesson.

“We need to be proactive concerning our largest native industry during this summer time. Farming families need reassurance that government will provide assistance, either from the Department directly, or through EU funding, to help them through the coming winter season.

“Minister Creed needs to offer more than a stakeholder group consultation. Farmers need a concrete commitment of support.

“Beyond just this coming year, government needs to recognise that more extreme weather conditions are becoming the norm in Ireland and to plan with the famers for such eventualities”