BSE herd income issue must be addressed

THE income problems faced by farmers who lose their herds as a result of BSE must be addressed, according to the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association.

John O'Leary, Beef and Cattle Committee chairperson, calling on Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh to deal with the issue, said the current situation is totally unacceptable as farmers receive absolutely no income support if they lose their herd. "All farmers receive at present is the market value of their cattle. No provision is made for loss of income until normal production recommences," he said..

Mr O'Leary said in the case of TB and Brucellosis in cattle, and scrapie in sheep, farmers receive an income support payment while out of production.