Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D., met with the main farm organisations and Teagasc yesterday to discuss the impact on Irish agriculture and supply chains following the illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Minister McConalogue and Department officials outlined the challenge that faces farmers in the short and long-term with supply chains from the region likely to be disrupted for a period. Considerable volumes of both global feed and fertiliser originate and are traded through Ukraine and Russia.
“Our great sector is facing one of the most significant challenges in recent years. At times like these, we must take proactive steps to limit any potential disruption to our feed and food supply chains. I know farmers will rise to the challenge and meet it head on. By working collectively and collaboratively, we can ensure that the sector is insulated against the worst of what might come from supply chain disruptions.”
The Minister announced that he has tasked Teagasc with heading up a National Fodder and Food Security Committee to explore all options to minimise the impact on farms and plan in the short to medium term.
“Let me be clear, there is urgency to the work of this committee and I tasked them to meet and complete their work without delay. The first meeting of the committee is this Friday and there is a window of opportunity in the next number of weeks to make decisions to help us build resilience. The work of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee is the number one priority in the Department.”
The Minister concluded by thanking those who attended the meeting emphasising the need to continue to work together in a rapid manner.
“I thank Ministers Hackett and Heydon as well as the farm organisations and Teagasc for attending the meeting. It was useful as we all share the same collective vision of working together to minimise the impact on our agri-food sector. I called this meeting for our farmers to come together to agree on how best we can step forward in a timely manner. I will continue to engage closely with the sector in the hours and days ahead as we work together on this significant challenge.”
The Minister will meet members of the fertiliser, grain and importing industries today (Wednesday 9th).
