Michael Healy-Rae
Question:968. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27994/23]
View answerTuesday, 13 June 2023
Questions (968)
Written answers
The objective of the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) is to provide support to beef farmers to improve the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd. The programme aims to build on the gains delivered in recent years through the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) and the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme (BEEP) by improving the genetic merit of the Irish suckler herd.
The reference number presented for SCEP is based on historical data. This is the number of eligible suckler cows that produced an eligible calf on the holding in the years 2016-2021 inclusive. Applicants receive an average of the best three years of 2016-2021 as their reference number.
As the person named had data (i.e. had eligible suckler cows that produced an eligible calf) in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, they received a reference number of seven and a maximum payable area of 4.67 hectares.
As per the SCEP terms and conditions, a new entrant to suckler farming is an applicant that commenced suckler farming since 2021, i.e calved and registered an eligible calf for the first time since 01 January 2021. Therefore, the person named is not considered as a new entrant under SCEP.
A request to review the reference number of the person named was received on 22 May 2023. A letter has recently issued to that person with the outcome of the review and informing him of his right to appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office.