471. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure the National Fodder & Food Security Committee is reconvened to provide a clear pathway of actions around a fodder support scheme for farmers under pressure as a result of the long drought and fodder pressures. [66627/26]

I am acutely aware of the pressures that farmers are experiencing due to the prolonged dry spell of weather this summer. I met with Teagasc and the main farm organisations in mid-August to discuss the impact of the prolonged dry weather on farming.

I requested the Chairperson of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee, to reconvene the Committee. The Committee brings together farm organisations, advisers, industry and Government to assess the fodder position and coordinate the response and has met twice, most recently on 7th September.

A fodder survey carried out by Teagasc in mid-August showed variation in winter fodder supplies between farms and regions, with the South-East the region of greatest concern. However, following regular rainfall since the end of August, Soil Moisture Deficits have continued to decline, while grass growth has recovered significantly, doubling since August 11th. Teagasc will conduct another advisor led fodder survey in October, following the maize harvest.

The Committee highlighted that the primary focus should be for farmers to maximise production of feed at individual farm level for the remainder of the autumn by making the most of the current recovery in grass growth, including nutrient application before statutory deadlines. Farmers should also complete both fodder and financial budgets and address any likely shortfall early. It is important that farms facing a fodder deficit are supported by a coordinated response from advisers, industry and Government.

In response to the ongoing challenges, I announced increases in advance payment rates under the 2026 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (CRISS) and the ECO Scheme, along with flexibilities on requirements associated with certain actions in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector.

The Government is committed to supporting the sector during this difficult time and continues to monitor the fodder position closely in consultation with Teagasc, farm organisations and the wider industry, and to amplify agreed advice from the National Fodder and Food Security Committee.