Farmers accuse Heydon of failing to grasp severity of drought
The Irish Farmers' Association has criticized Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon for his response to a potential fodder crisis caused by a prolonged dry summer. Farmers are reporting significant shortages and cash flow issues, prompting calls for immediate government support ahead of the 2027 budget.
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Agricultural stability is critical for food security and rural economies, making the government's response to climate-induced supply chain issues a major political concern.
The Minister for Agriculture “has failed to grasp the severity of the issues farms are facing” due to the long lot summer, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has said.
Speaking after meeting Martin Heydon and other farm bodies to discuss a potential fodder crisis this winter due to a lack of rain during the summer growing season, IFA leader Francie Gorman said “immediate action” was needed.
Gorman said this needed to be led by Heydon and should include “support for sectors impacted in the short-term, in addition to a practical and effective fodder crisis plan”.
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