Allister calls for comprehensive approach to weather compensation
13 November 2008
Jim Allister MEP has said DARD must take a fresh look at the case for weather compensation, not only to include the flash flooding of mid-August, but to take account of the very poor Autumnal weather.
The Traditional Unionist MEP said,
“Undoubtedly, August was a terrible month so far as the impact flooding had on potatoes, cereals and vegetables. However, Autumnal weather conditions have added considerably to the difficulties of local farmers. MET office records show above average rainfalls for September and October, with unseasonal cold temperatures having been recorded for October.”
“Many farmers have failed to gather in third or even second cuts of silage, because of disastrous ground conditions, something which may be excluded from DARD’s loss assessment which hitherto has been confined to losses suffered during August. I am calling on the Department to adopt a comprehensive approach in quantifying hardship caused by this terrible spell of weather, and in compensating farmers without further delay.”
ENDS
