How budget affects farm businesses and families

IFA has outlined the main changes in public expenditure and taxation affecting farm businesses and families, in Budget 2013.

Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme: Replaced by a new €10m breeding scheme funded from unused SFP funds, which will pay €20/cow with a ceiling of 20 cows qualifying per farm, total maximum payment €400. For a 40-suckler farmer, the payment will decrease from €1,600 in the suckler scheme to €400 in the new scheme.

Disadvantaged Areas: Reduction in the maximum area payable from 34 to 30ha. Will not apply to farmers in mountain grazing areas.