Financial help for fodder shortage welcomed
The Ulster Farmers’ Union has welcomed Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill’s announcement that £1million has been secured to help farmers facing fodder shortages.
UFU President Harry Sinclair said; “The Minister’s announcement that £1million has been secured to help farmers facing unprecedented fodder shortages is very welcome news. We have spent much of our time over the last few days meeting with DARD officials looking at ways to address this serious issue. The situation on the ground has continued to get progressively worse and now that funds have been secured we must get help to those who need it as a matter of urgency. We will now be working closely with DARD to ensure there is no delay in getting a fodder scheme set up.”
The Ulster Farmers’ Union has also welcomed the Minister’s announcement that the Executive has approved the second stage of the hardship funding for those farmers affected by the severe weather in March.
Harry Sinclair said; “DARD will be sending out letters in early June to those farmers who were directly affected by the adverse earlier this year. The letter will include information about their hardship entitlement and also how to claim. I would strongly encourage all farmers to respond promptly to ensure they receive their payments as quickly as possible.
“It has been a very tough year for farmers and the general mood is quite low at the moment. However, the support from the Executive in relation to fodder and the severe weather will go some of the way to helping our livestock farmers through this very challenging time."
