Dairy farmers urged to sign up for cash flow and budgeting training
The Cash Plan 2014 Programme, announced by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, is targeted at a specific cohort of dairy farmers — those who have commenced supplying milk since January 1, 2008.
Tom O’Dwyer, head of dairy knowledge transfer at Teagasc, said while the imminent abolition of EU milk quotas will provide dairy farmers with significant production opportunities, expansion will put significant additional pressures on dairy farm businesses.
Dermot McCarthy, head of Teagasc advisory services, said the training will be delivered nationwide. Interested farmers should contact their local adviser immediately.
“While the training programme is focussed on cash flow management, qualifying course participants can get a cash flow boost of up to €1,000 before the end of the year if all required tasks are completed,” he said.
While awaiting the finalisation of plans for the new 2015 to 2020 Rural Development Programme, the minister said he had secured €900,000 for a continuation of the up- skilling of personnel involved in the milk supply chain.
He also plans to make a facility available to farmers who plan to enter dairying in 2015. While the calving process in the first quarter will mean they are in a position to make milk deliveries, milk purchasers will not be able to accept their deliveries before March 31 unless the suppliers hold a milk quota as the regime remains in force until that date. The minister is proposing to grant a nominal quota allocation of 100 litres to such entrants, legitimising their milk collection before March 31.
