St Vincent de Paul offers support to farm households in fodder crisis

“In recent days we have been approached by a number of farm families for help to put bread on the table as a result of this crisis and by others who now find it difficult to keep children in education,” the national president of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) said today.

Geoff Meagher says his organisation’s 10,500 members are active in rural and urban areas throughout the country, and are conscious of the isolation and turmoil some farmers are experiencing as a result of their financial difficulties brought on by the current fodder crisis.

“In recent days we have been approached by a number of farm families for help to put bread on the table as a result of this crisis and by others who now find it very difficult to keep children in education,” said Mr Meagher.

Mr Meagher said; “We have become aware of situations where, with scarce fodder, money that should be used to provide food and household needs is being used to keep animals alive.

“The situation is dire particularly where land is difficult and disadvantaged.

“We are conscious of the pride and self-reliance within the Irish farming community and how difficult it may be to seek help from an organisation such as SVP.

“While SVP cannot help with the farming issue we are an avenue of support in relation to household needs and an organisation whose members are always available to listen and advise.

“The work of SVP is carried out in the strictest confidence and support can be provided by SVP people from outside any particular local community.”

Mr Meagher also said that while their main objective is to stress to farm families the importance of seeking help it also calls on Department of Social Protection to give temporary aid to farmers who are in severe difficulty.

The National Office of SVP can be contacted on 01 8386990 or go to www.svp.ie for a list of regional offices.