Slaughter premium ‘should continue’

DECOUPLE all on-farm beef premia but continue with the slaughter premium is the proposal from the ICMSA to the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Beef and Cattle Committee chairperson John O’Leary said it had reached a consensus of what was required by farmers. “Farmers are not in favour of any continuation of coupled payments for the on-farm schemes, as it could force them to keep cattle or cows which otherwise they would not do.

“We have enough restrictions without inviting a continuation of the nightmare red tape on the various beef premium schemes,” he said. However, Mr O’Leary said there is merit in continuing with the current slaughter premium as this will favour active producers and also cater for individuals who are expanding over time.