Irish fodder aid scheme could have knock-on effect in Wales

The Farmers’ Union of Wales says Irish fodder aid schemes highlight and add to concerns in Wales over the impact months of wet weather are having on fodder supplies and prices.

Diminishing fodder supplies in the Republic of Ireland led the Irish Government to introduce a fodder transport subsidy scheme in January, with payments of between €3-€17 per bale transported, depending on size.

Meanwhile, dairy processors in the republic, who were previously sourcing fodder on the domestic Irish market on behalf of their milk suppliers, have switched to sourcing from mainland UK, with the first Dairygold-subsidised shipment totalling 2,500 tonnes having arrived at Rosslare port earlier this month.

Back in 2013, an Irish fodder crisis resulted in the importation of some 10,000 tonnes of fodder into the republic, which mainly came from the UK.

Dai Miles, chairman of the FUW’s Milk and Dairy Committee, said: “Persistent wet weather has left many fields in Wales completely saturated for months and grass growth remains extremely poor across the country.

“Many of our members are unable to turn cattle out on to the land and this means an increasing reliance on diminishing fodder supplies as cattle remain housed.

“We alerted the Welsh Government to concerns about the impact of fodder shortages many weeks ago, and reports of acute problems in some regions are increasing.

“The FUW would advise members to think ahead and to speak to their FUW county office if they have or anticipate problems in the coming days or weeks.”

Mr Miles said that the removal of fodder from the UK market through the Irish schemes would add to existing pressures on the UK market.

He said: “We fully sympathise with Irish farmers regarding the pressures they are under, but with prices already extremely high in the UK and pressures mounting in parts of Wales, the impact of the Irish schemes for our members is naturally a concern.

“Above all else, farmers in Wales need to see a dramatic improvement in the weather. Otherwise, we will have to urgently consider schemes similar to those operating in the Republic of Ireland,” added Mr Miles.