Non-essential farm inspections by Department of Agriculture staff are to be paused for a number of weeks as farmers struggle with adverse weather conditions.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue after farming organisations had appealed for support for farmers.
Announcing the pause today, the Minister for Agriculture said farmers are under pressure as a result of the exceptional adverse weather conditions.
As a result, farm inspections by Department inspectors are to cease until 22 April, although any inspection relating to payments will go ahead to avoid farmers having payments affected at this time.
"I am extremely conscious of the pressure on farmers as a result of continuing and exceptional adverse weather conditions," Minister McConalogue said.
"As an immediate step I have asked my department to pause farm inspections not specifically required to support payments until 22 April.
"In considering this matter I was conscious of the need to avoid any action that might affect payments to farmers. This step is a proportionate and necessary one in the current circumstances."
Minister McConalogue described the step as necessary and proportionate at this time.
It follows Met Éireann's farming forecast which said there will be no relief from rain and sodden ground for farmers in the coming days as rainfall amounts will be two to four times the normal range.
Meanwhile, farm advisory body Teagasc is to provide advice to farmers to help maximise existing fodder stocks, and to coordinate engagement of those who have extra fodder with those who are running short.
Minister McConalogue also said he has asked banks to show forbearance with farmers where cashflow issues are emerging in response to current difficulties.
IFA calls for support from financial institutions
Meanwhile, the Irish Farmer's Association has said bank and credit unions must make immediate support available to help farmers get through this difficult period.
"Farmers are under intense pressure due to the continued challenging weather conditions, with cattle housed much longer than planned, vegetable crops unable to be harvested and tillage crops unable to be sown. Cash flow issues are building on farms," IFA National Farm Business Chair Bill O'Keeffe said.
He added: "We are in constant contact with both the credit unions and the banks on this issue and the response we are receiving is positive, with a message to come and talk to providers of credit to see how they can assist farmers through this period."
"While this message is positive the problem now is one of time. Where farmers have a requirement for fodder and have cash flow pressures, they need immediate access to cash.
"Credit unions, and especially banks, must look at putting solutions in place for same day decisions on lending applications during this period," he said.
"Waiting for days or weeks for a decision is not good enough if fodder needs to be purchased now for animals," Mr O’Keefe said.
