Press release

03/02/10

Today local Minister Noel Dempsey, T.D. welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Brendan Smith T.D. that he proposes to introduce a Scheme to provide some compensation for damage to potatoes and vegetables caused by the severe frost and weather in January of this year.

Speaking today Minister Dempsey said: “This scheme is very welcome news for Meath based farmers and individual growers who have incurred large losses due to the severe weather. Many Meath farmers and farmers around the country have experienced very difficult circumstances this year and I am sure that this financial assistance will be very beneficial to them. This new scheme will help and provide financial contribution to certain potato and vegetable growers who suffered significant losses of produce due to severe weather damage and I welcome that.

Minister Dempsey added: “Growers who wish to be considered for financial assistance need to complete a “Crop Damage Assessment Form”, which will be determined by the information provided by the grower. Eligible growers will have to show that their potatoes and vegetables were damaged by frost and the extent of the damage. I urge all Meath farmers who were directly affected to respond without delay.”

Growers who wish to submit information can obtain the Crop Damage Assessment Form from Monday 8th of February at www.agriculture.gov.ie, Local Offices, at Teagasc Local Offices or by calling the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 1890 252118. The deadline for receipt of Crop Damage Assessment Forms is Tuesday 16th of February 2010.

Ends