asked the Minister for Agriculture the aid, due to the continuing appalling weather conditions, which will be made available to help the farmers in the north Meath area to provide adequate fodder for next winter.
Written Answers. - Silage Grants.
18.
In view of the importance of avoiding the risks associated with hay making I recently announced that, subject to EC clearance, farm improvement programme grants for the provision of silage storage facilities are being further increased over the next 12 months from 35 per cent to 45 per cent in disadvantaged areas and from 30 per cent to 35 per cent in other areas. Grants for silage storage facilities approved under the western package are also being increased to 45 per cent over the next 12 months. The fodder situation will be kept under close review during the coming months in conjunction with ACOT and ICOS.
I recently announced the introduction of two exchange rate guarantee schemes under which farmers may borrow at favourable interest rates to finance their working capital requirements.