Make Sure to Get Your Scheme Applications into the Dept This Week

IFA President Tim Cullinan said it’s very important that all farmers make their Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application to the Department of Agriculture before the closing date of Friday.

He said the BPS is the most important application for the year and farmers should double check with their adviser/planner to ensure their application has been lodged.

 

So far, over 90% of farmers have applied for the Basic Payment Scheme. Eligibility for most farm schemes is dependent on a BPS application. It is expected that 130,000 farmers will make an application.

 

Tim Cullinan also said suckler farmers need to ensure they have made their online application for the BEEP-S scheme before Friday’s closing date.

 

“So far, over 20,000 farmers have applied for BEEP-S. We need a final push on applications ahead of Friday’s deadline. The payment at €80/€90 per suckler cow is significant and the conditions are reasonable,” he said.

 

“In the context of IFA’s ongoing campaign for further supports for the beef sector, it’s vital that the €35m is fully drawn down,” he said.

IFA National Livestock Chairman Brendan Golden said IFA has set a goal to secure direct targeted support of €300 per cow.

 

“We believe there are sound economic arguments for supporting the suckler herd based on their importance to the rural economy. A study by Prof Thia Hennessy from UCC commissioned by the IFA shows that for every €1 in direct payments, over €4 is generated in the rural economy”.