ICMSA call for reconvening of National Fodder Committee this Friday as “unsettled weather” set to continue.

The President of ICMSA, Denis Drennan, has called for a further meeting of the National Fodder and Food Security to be held next Friday (5 April).   Mr. Drennan’s call follows forecasts of yet more unsettled weather running through next weekend and into the following week.    

The ICMSA President said that some farmers are in a very difficult position and it is important that the Government and stakeholders prepare – or at least look at ‘worst case’ scenarios – instead of ‘crossing your fingers’ and hoping that the weather improves and gives better prospects. 

“ICMSA believes that the National Fodder Committee should reconvene immediately because while we don’t want to panic anybody, we really have to guard against the kind of complacency that actually could cause problems. Farmers will have got the latest weather forecasts increasing their concerns; cows still can’t be turned out, fertiliser cannot be spread and we’re already getting worries about adequate fodder for next winter what kind of quality that will be. Against that kind of background, ICMSA thinks it’s prudent and smart to just meet again and ‘see where we all are’. We’d like an update and we’d like the Committee to just take stock of the latest forecasts and estimations of fodder stocks so that we can all update our plans and hear what kind of supports the Minister intends offering. If the officials arrive insisting that there’s no money, – as they did last week – then ICMSA will want to hear in detail what funding sources they’ve looked at and who was approached. They needn’t think they can wave us away that easily”, said Mr. Drennan. 

 Ends          3 April 2024

Denis Drennan, 086-8389401

President, ICMSA.

Or

Cathal MacCarthy, 087-6168758

ICMSA Press Office