Alan Dillon
Question:108. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what proposals are in place to assist suckler and beef farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46904/23]
View answerThursday, 26 October 2023
Questions (108)
Written answers
Enhancing the contribution of cattle rearing and finishing enterprises to the overall agri-food sector and to our rural economy is a real priority of mine and of this Government.
I am committed to the long-term sustainability of our beef and suckler sectors. I want to see the sector have a strong future for farmers as well as everyone in the industry. Our beef is in demand across the globe and we are committed to adding value to the sector for the benefit of our farm families.
Budget 2024 demonstrated my unwavering commitment to our beef farmers. My aim in the budget was to ensure support for our farm and fishing families. The significant funding provided supports the sector’s environmental ambition and on-farm sustainability while at the same time supporting farmer incomes. Budget 2024 supports farm families as we implement the targeted supports for farmers provided in the largest ever €10 billion CAP Strategic Plan (CSP).
In this context I was pleased to provide targeted supports of more than €113m for the livestock sectors. Specifically I will continue to provide the €200 per cow payment delivered in 2023. Beef farmers will also be well placed to benefit from the enhanced supports for environmental measures and the supports available for farmers transitioning to organic farming.
The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme provides support to beef farmers to improve the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd and to improve the genetic merit of the suckler herd. The funding of €256 million in the lifetime of this programme is a recognition of the importance of the suckler sector to Ireland’s economy. Payment rates are €150 for the first 22.5 cows and €120 for the remainder up to the maximum payable area. Average payment in SCEP is likely to exceed €3,000. First year payments will commence from 11 December 2023.
In addition we will continue to deliver in 2024 an exchequer funded beef scheme. Combined these schemes will deliver over €70m in the pockets of beef farmers this year, and crucially allow me to continue providing the €200 per suckler cow payment achieved in 2023.
My officials are currently examining how the additional funding for 2024 can best be utilised to benefit beef farmers. I will elaborate on my specific proposals to further assist the sector upon completion of this process.
I remain fully committed to supporting the beef sector and, in particular, the farming families who are integral to the environmental, economic and social sustainability of rural communities.