The Minister for Agriculture Mr Martin Heydon has agreed to reconvene the National Fodder and Food Security Committee amid mounting concern about the impact of prolonged dry weather on fodder supplies.
The decision followed a meeting in Celbridge, Co Kildare, with Teagasc and representatives from leading farm organisations, including the Irish Farmers’ Association, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association and Macra.
Farm representatives warned that drought conditions have severely affected grass growth, forcing some farmers to use fodder originally reserved for winter. Farms in parts of Carlow, Laois and Kilkenny are understood to be among those experiencing significant pressure.
The committee will assess the national and regional fodder situation and consider what measures may be needed. A Teagasc fodder survey is also expected to provide a clearer picture of stocks across the country.
Minister Heydon acknowledged that the conditions are increasing costs and causing stress for affected farmers. He encouraged anyone experiencing cash-flow difficulties to engage with their banks, merchants and co-operatives.
“The Government is committed to supporting the sector in what has been a difficult year,” he said. “The call from farm organisations for additional supports will be considered when the full picture is available and in the context of Budget 2027.”
Requests from farm organisations for greater flexibility across a range of agricultural measures will also remain under review.
IFA president Mr Francie Gorman welcomed the reconvening of the committee, but said farmers now need firm proposals and practical action to address the worsening situation.
The prolonged dry spell has also affected parts of continental Europe, potentially limiting Ireland’s ability to source additional fodder from other EU countries if domestic shortages deepen.
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