The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) believes the Fodder and Food Security Committee should reconvene without further delay.

In a statement this afternoon, ICOS said:

“The prolonged dry period is having an extreme effect in parts of the south, southeast and midlands, whereas in other regions, growing conditions in some parts are under pressure and in other areas are relatively normal. This is due to the uneven rainfall patterns experienced over the past number of weeks. Farmers are extremely resilient and have come through similar challenging periods in the past, however, a collective response is needed to ensure that all stakeholders and agencies can ensure that farmers get the right advice in a timely fashion to deal with a very dynamic situation.”

“A joined-up stakeholder response under the Fodder and Food Security Committee with input from the Department of Agriculture, Teagasc, co-operatives and farm organisations in the past has played a crucial role in providing clear, accessible, and actionable advice to farmers. At the start of the drought period, fodder reserves across the country were in a very strong position, but it is very clear that a targeted approach will be needed in the areas most affected by drought, which is causing significant financial stress, as well as mental and physical pressures from managing the extra workload, as farmers seek to prioritise the health and wellbeing of their livestock.”