Local IFA Chairman John Heffernan has called upon the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, to provide clarity on the wish for farmers to grow crops in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Grain shortages may result from the crisis, with the Minister issuing pleas for farmers to grow crops this year to combat any potential shortfalls.
Heffernan, a Ballymacarbry farmer, says that the efforts to address farm input costs are 'disappointing'.
He says the only thing that the Minister has given to farmers is 'soundbites', as opposed to clarity.
"We are very disappointed with the Minister. He didn't mention anything about growing crops or coming forward with any proposals. He has more or less just said to us, as farmers, that we have to pull our weight. We have always pulled our weight, and will continue to pull our weight. It's very disappointing that there has been nothing positive on offer from the Minister except sound bites. He didn't address the importance of getting the prices down so we can go forward with confidence."
Farmers only have a three week window if they're to grow crops to aid potential food shortages and The Minister has said a new committee will be set-up to ensure food security.
Heffernan told WLR that the farming community need financial support now if they are to produce the said crops.
"There's a new committee being set up. The work that they have to do, is urgent. It's the National Fodder and Food Security Committee. Another commitee, another talking shop - the time for action is now. Crops need to be sewn in the next few weeks. The sewing season is here. As soon as the weather provides an opportunity for people to get into the fields, they'll be working on it. We do need support from the government to cover these costs."
Diesel, fertiliser and animal feed are just some of the areas where farmers are feeling the pinch, and John Heffernan says farmers want to get on with the job - but will need support to do so.
"There's a lot of serious questions here about how we are going to get things done to the maximum advantage of our climate. We are all prepared to put our shoulder to the wheel, and get on with the job. The expenses are infinitely high. Urgent decisions have got to be made about giving us more certainty moving forward."
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