The Minister for Agriculture has confirmed a fodder import scheme work over €4.2m.
The scheme follows lobbying by farming organisations on the impact the drought has had on farmland over the summer months.
The Minister already introduced a fodder subsidy following the extremely wet and cold weather over the winter, which meant livestock had to be kept indoors for much longer than usual.
Minister Creed says the scheme is being introduced to cut the cost to farmers of imported forage, such as hay and silage from abroad.
The Co-ops and registered importers will operate the scheme, which covers fodder imported from August 12th right up until the end of this year (December 31, 2018).
Farming organisations have given a cautious welcome to the move.
But IFA President Joe Healy says cash-flow is still a serious issue for farmers.
He says low-cost loans promised in last year’s budget have yet to be made available to farmers.
Mr. Healy says farmers are experiencing uncertain times:
