I recently launched the Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot, a targeted support for suckler farmers specifically aimed at further improving the economic and environmental efficiency of beef production. As well as clear environmental and climate benefits, the BEEP will provide farm gate investment at a time of market volatility and uncertainty relating to Brexit.
I am very conscious that 2018 was a very difficult year for beef farmers, in terms of weather, fodder issues and market volatility. This is the sector most exposed to Brexit, given its reliance on the UK market. The BEEP is designed to provide an injection of investment at a critical time for farmers navigating the challenges ahead, while delivering in real terms on our climate objectives.
The pilot has been designed to be as straightforward as possible and to ensure that the majority of the payment can be retained by the farmer.
The scheme was launched on 30 January with media in attendance. Details of the launch were posted on my Department’s official Twitter account and details of the pilot were subsequently covered online and in print in the Irish Farmers Journal, Farm Ireland, Agriland and the Irish Examiner. The pilot was also the focus of a recent multi-page article in the Irish Farmers Journal. In addition some 25,000 existing Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) participants were notified of the pilot in a newsletter that also contained a BEEP application form.
The development of the programme was the focus of extensive stakeholder engagement with a range of representative bodies. Applications will be accepted up until this Friday 22nd of February and I would urge all eligible farmers to apply.
