IFA Says Farmers Should Act Now to Resolve Suckler Scheme Problems

IFA National Livestock Committee Chairman Michael Doran said suckler farmers need to act immediately to sort out outstanding issues and queries on animals under the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme in order to secure payment.

He said there is way too much money outstanding under the scheme for 2008, 2009 and 2010. “While the scheme is complex, farmers who are taking action to sort out problems are being facilitated by the Department of Agriculture and are getting paid on eligible animals.”

Michael Doran said farmers need to respond immediately to Department letters send out in respect of the 2009 scheme. The opportunity to resolve these problems will close at the end of August and farmers need to act now.

From September 1st the Department have said all information must be submitted to ICBF within one year of the date of birth for calves in the scheme.

Michael Doran said IFA will be insisting that the Suckler Cow Welfare scheme is fully protected and financed for future years. He said the recent Food Harvest 2020 report on beef submitted to Minister Coveney prioritised the retention of the Suckler cow Welfare scheme as a key issue.