3,000 applicants for suckler scheme

MORE than 3,000 farmers have submitted their applications for the suckler welfare scheme.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Mary Coughlan, who launched the scheme before Christmas, described it as a groundbreaking initiative for the suckling industry.

The scheme, which is 100% Exchequer funded, will deliver €235 million to suckler farmers over the next five years.

It involves an annual payment of €80 per cow (or €82 where the applicant makes the return online) for suckler cows calving from January 1.

The closing date for existing suckler farmers is March 31.

Ms Coughlan, speaking at a Donegal IFA meeting in Stranolar, said the scheme will underpin a strong production base for quality beef and, in doing so, will give an economic boost to the beef sector.

“The markets we are targeting value welfare and quality, and we will deliver. This is a market-led approach. This scheme is the foundation for farmers to focus on their enterprise, and plan for a long-term viable future in the sector,” she said.

Training and education will play an important role in the scheme. Applicants will be required to attend a suitable training course before reaching the end of their second year in the scheme.

However, an applicant aged less than 35 years on January 1, 2008, and who holds the appropriate qualification will be exempt.