Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:1415. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the €50 million beef support scheme. [21148/20]
View answerTuesday, 8 September 2020
Questions (1415)
Written answers
The Beef Finisher Payment (BFP) scheme is a one off, exchequer funded grant aid scheme under the Covid 19 State Aid Temporary Framework. The objective of the BFP is to provide support for beef finishing farms in Ireland which have been severely impacted by the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The scheme is open to all beef farmers who presented animals for slaughter in the period 1st February 2020 to 12th June 2020 inclusive and fulfil the requirements set out in the Terms and Conditions of the scheme.
The on-line application system has been available since the 20th of August and will close at midnight on the 9th of September. The application process is very simple and straightforward with my Department introducing flexibility that reflects the reality of these extraordinary times. The scheme has been well publicised in the agri-media with my Department posting advertisements in local and national print and digital media. In addition there has been an ongoing targeted SMS text campaign to farmers who are otherwise eligible for a payment but who have not applied. To date, there have been 25,195 applications received.