Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
289. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the schemes that will be available for beef farmers in 2023; the financial allocation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52142/22]
View answerThere are a range of supports available to beef farmers under the new €10 billion CAP strategic plan beginning in 2023, as well as ongoing supports from government to buffer families and business from the effects of the ongoing energy and cost of living crisis.
The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) is the specific support for the beef sector under the CAP strategic plan. SCEP will build on the successful Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) in Ireland’s last RDP as well as the exchequer funded BEEP which commenced in 2019. The funding of €260 million in the lifetime of this programme is a recognition of the importance of the suckler sector to Ireland’s economy and will support the enhancement of the economic and environmental efficiency of their enterprises.
Another significant support for the beef sector is the enhanced support for early-stage producer organisations in the incoming CSP which, in addition to providing advisory and administrative support of up to €33,000 to groups, provides under competition law for collective bargaining on output prices thereby strengthening their position in the supply chain.
Separately, I have secured budgetary provision for a €28 million exchequer funded beef welfare scheme in 2023. This new scheme will sit alongside the new €150/cow Suckler Carbon Efficiency Scheme.
Beef farmers will also be well placed to benefit from the enhanced supports for fodder aid, for environmental measures and the supports available for farmers transitioning to organic farming.
I remain committed to supporting the sustainable development of the beef sector.
