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.