National Fodder and Food Security Committee

The National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) is tasked by government with preparing an industry response, contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises through a period of high input price inflation and potential supply pressures.

The inaugural meeting of the NFFSC took place on Friday March 11th in Teagasc Moorepark. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD established the committee to ensure the sector can respond effectively and rapidly to a considerable challenge. Over 30 organisations were represented at the meeting. The commitee is chaired by Mike Magan.

Teagasc presentation to meeting of NFFSC - April 13th

On Thursday April 13th 2023 a presentation giving an update and outlook on grass & fodder supply, fertiliser usage and current advisory activities on grassland and crops was given by Teagasc. Presentation below

NFFSC Meeting - Teagasc Update and outlook (PDF)

Proposal to the Department of Agriculture and Marine from the National Fodder and Food Security Committee - Supporting the tillage sector

29^th July

NFFSC Tillage Proposal (pdf)

Teagasc presentation to fourth meeting of NFFSC – July 13^th:

NFFSC Meeting 4 Fodder Sector Updates (pdf)

Fodder Survey Results July 2022 (pdf)

Teagasc presentation to third meeting of NFFSC - April 21st

An update on ongoing priority actions by Teagasc included the following:

Situation in the Pig Sector including the outlook for the sector
Poultry Sector update
Tillage activities and results from the Tillage Survey
Summary of Drystock Survey and events update
Dairy sector update including events, silage situation, fertiliser use and management decisions

The presentation can be downloaded here Teagasc presentation to 3rd NFFSC Meeting on April 21 2022 (PDF)

Press Releases

Teagasc Advice and information for Farmers to Improve Food and Feed Security

Teagasc will deliver regularly updated advice to farmers including actions that can be taken to help mitigate the current volatile situation.

This advice, recommended actions and further resources are available here - Food and Feed Security

Teagasc presentation to second meeting of NFFSC - March 22nd

The Teagasc presentation was an update on ongoing priority actions by Teagasc and included the following:

An update on all enterprises since the March 11th meeting
Stakeholder feedback
Current and planned activities
Grass growth and farm cover from PastureBase Ireland

The presentation can be downloaded here Teagasc presentation to 2nd NFFSC Meeting March 22 2022 (PDF)

Fertiliser Surveys Summary

Drystock | Tillage | Dairy |

Drystock (n=688)

28% of drystock farmers have bought no fertiliser to date
43% are finding it difficult to get fertiliser delivered - 63% of these stating either the merchant cannot guarantee delivery or delivery will be delayed
46% are paying 100% upfront for fertiliser - only 25% being given more than one months credit
87% of drystock farmers plan on spreading less fertiliser on grazing ground - 10 – 30% reduction (43% of farmers) - 30 – 50% reduction (31% farmers)
Only 28% of drystock farmers plan on making more than 75% of their fodder for next winter in 1st cut silage
Farmers plan on spreading less fertiliser on silage ground - 10–20% reduction (37% of farmers), 20–30% reduction (23% of farmers), 30–50% reduction (15% of farmers)

Tillage - key messages (n=440)

Phosphorus & Potassium Fertiliser

69% have >75% of their P & K requirements for the season in stock or awaiting delivery. (41% all requirements)
12% have less than 25% in stock or awaiting delivery. (4% none).

Nitrogen Fertiliser

63% have >75% of their N requirements for the season in stock or awaiting delivery. (35% all requirements) - 13% have less than 25% in stock or awaiting delivery. (3% none)
69% have made no changes to their cropping plans as a result of fertiliser supply/price. If changing – increasing beans, followed by spring oats
72% have already used or plan to use organic manures this season - But unsure how much available or used
31% plan no reduction to normal chemical fertiliser application this year - further 22% plan on a minimal 10 kg/ha reduction

Other issues

55% said they would increase tillage area if more land became available
39% said that access to additional credit is an issue this year

Dairy

Just over half have some fertiliser spread
¾ have reduced application rates YTD
Almost half intend to spread less for silage ground
60% are behind target on grazing ground
1/3 have not yet purchased 50% of the year’s requirement

Teagasc presentation to first meeting of NFFSC - March 11th

Teagasc presented on the challenges facing the various sectors:

Pigs and Poultry
Arable and Horticulture
Drystock
Dairy

The presenttaion included an outline of the current situation in the various sectors. The financial situation and implications and the support that Teagasc can offer.

The presentation can be downloaded here Teagasc presentation to first NFFSC Meeting (PDF)