MEP wants support for farmers after weather woes

IRELAND South MEP Billy Kelleher has called on grocery retailers and others who supply to farmers to be more accommodating to the agricultural sector.

The Fianna Fail man from Cork city, who is seeking election to Europe for a second time, says recent ongoing bad weather is having a serious impact on farmers’ productivity.

“The last number of weeks and months have been incredibly tough and stressful for Ireland’s farmers. Whether it is our tillage and horticulture sectors that have been unable to plant their crops, or our dairy, sheep or suckler farms who have been unable to put their animals out on their land due to it being so wet and paying through the nose for fodder, Irish agriculture is in difficulties,” he said.

Mr Kelleher pointed out that rainfall for the month of March was almost one-and-a-half times over the average rate in previous years.

“The bad weather has hampered spring operations such as planting. Farmers have been forced to keep their animals in sheds rather than putting them out to graze. This is costly for farmers who must now pay for feed rather than using the ample supply of grass in their fields,” he explained.

At this time, he feels grocery retailers could be more generous with their pricing.

“Perhaps a short-term solidarity payment can be made to affected farmers to alleviate their challenges,” he suggested.

“Additionally, those suppliers of Irish agriculture need to be understanding in terms of payments and prices. There’s no point making a higher profit off of a farmer this year when he or she is in trouble financially if your actions might put them out of business next year. We all need to think about the long term,” added the MEP.

Mr Kelleher, who studied at the Salesians Agricultural College in Pallaskenry, said he does not think it should be just left to government to step in.

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“I believe the sectors that rely on a productive and profitable agricultural sector like co-ops and retailers, have to do more to support farmers. This is about surviving 2024, and making sure all of our farmers are still in business for 2025. It’s in everyone’s interests for that to happen,” he concluded.

Mr Kelleher was in Limerick on Saturday on the campaign trail for the European election, which takes place on June 7 next.

At the Milk Market in Limerick city centre, he was joined by Minister of State Niall Collins and local Fianna Fail councillor Fergus Kilcoyne, Patrickswell, among others.