Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
1048. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans in BEAM 2019 for farmers who do not reach 5% stocking rate reduction; if farmers can obtain a pro-rata payment rate at a reduced rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13549/21]
View answerThe objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) was to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132.
BEAM participants gave a commitment to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on the holding by 5% for the period 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021 as compared with the period 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2019 as recorded on the Department's AIM system. Article 1 (3) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132 clearly sets out that measures taken by Ireland shall be aimed at reducing production or restructuring the sector.
BEAM was funded by a combination of Exchequer support and EU aid with the European Commission providing €50 million.
There is provision in the terms and conditions for those who come close to meeting the 5% reduction. Participants who fail to reach at least a 4% reduction will see their BEAM payment recouped in full. There will be a partial recoupment of payments where a reduction of between 4% and 5% is achieved as set out below.
- Reduction less than 4% = 100% recoupment
- Reduction of 4% or more but less than 4.4% = 80% recoupment
- Reduction of 4.4% or more but less than 4.6% = 60% recoupment
- Reduction of 4.6% or more but less than 4.8% = 40% recoupment
- Reduction of 4.8% or more but less than 5% = 20% recoupment
In light of the difficulties some farmers are experiencing in meeting this reduction arising from COVID-19 Government Public Health restrictions, I sought approval from the EU Commission to bring in an alternative reference period for those who require it. My Department will be offering farmers the opportunity to select a later reduction year under BEAM if they were finding it difficult to deliver the 5% bovine manure nitrogen reduction in the period 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021.
The alternative will be the calendar year 2021 for those who choose it. My Department will soon be in contact with participants giving them the opportunity to opt for this later 12 month period if they wish.
