Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
480. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm the number of farmers who have applied to join the newly introduced suckler carbon efficiency programme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29369/23]
View answerThe objective of the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) is to provide support to suckler and 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 online applications system for SCEP opened on 20 March 2023 and closed on 22 May 2023. There is a 25-calendar day period after the 22 May 2023 closing date during which late applications are accepted with a reduction in payment of 1% per working day. Applications received after the 25 days period are ineligible.
As of 14 June 2023, there were 20,684 applications received under SCEP.
