Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
2483. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to a herd owner who lost a significant proportion of their herd due to TB prior to the reference dates for the organic nitrogen reduction for BEAM 2019, if force majeure can be implied as the herd is already significantly reduced prior to the commencement of the reference period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18995/21]
View answerFarmers who joined the Beef Exceptional Aid Scheme (BEAM) agreed to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on their holding by 5% for the period 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021 as compared with the reference period of 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2019.
There may be certain circumstances where the removal of animals due to TB prior to the reduction period can be taken into account by the Department when calculating the nitrates reduction target that BEAM participants must reach. Each case is looked at individually.
If the individual concerned wishes to have the nitrates reduction figure reviewed, they should write to the Beef Schemes Division of my Department without delay setting out all the circumstances and the matter will be examined. Where a participant fails to meet the 5% reduction target, penalties will be applied in accordance with section 10 of the BEAM Terms and Conditions.
