Increase in TB Compensation Ceilings a Move in Right Direction – IFA

IFA Animal Health Chair David Hall said the increase in TB compensation ceilings to €3,500 for commercial animals and €5,500 for pedigree animals is a step in right direction to ensuring farmers receive the market value of animals lost to TB.

“The removal of TB compensation ceilings was one of IFA’s main asks in Budget 2027. The Minister has recognised the financial hardship and heartache these ceilings cause farm families,” David Hall said.

“The higher ceilings will reduce the number of farmers whose compensation falls short of the market value for their livestock. However, some farmers will continue to suffer losses because of the remaining limits.”

“While the increase will make a difference, it is disappointing that did not take the opportunity to remove the ceilings completely,” he said.

The Department’s TB compensation booklet defines market value as the equivalent price which might reasonably have been obtained for the animal” on the open market if it was not affected by disease or being removed under the eradication programme’.

“That principle must be reflected in the compensation farmers receive. Farmers losing valuable animals to TB should receive their full market value.”

“The increased ceilings bring us closer to that objective. IFA will continue to seek the complete removal of ceilings, so all affected farmers are fairly compensated,” David Hall concluded.