Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
914. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications that were received for the suckler carbon efficiency programme; the number that were accepted to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47964/23]
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. I am confident that SCEP will drive further improvements in our already world-class suckler and beef herds. It will also be a crucial income support for these farmers.
The online applications system for SCEP opened on 20 March 2023 and closed on 22 May 2023. There was a 25-calendar day period after 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 were ineligible.
There were 20,837 applications received under SCEP. Applications are not deemed approved until they meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the terms and conditions of the scheme.
As at 01 November 2023, some 858 herdowners withdrew from SCEP and 2,352 participants were removed from SCEP due to non-compliance of the eligibility criteria under the programme. This leaves 17,627 participants in the programme.
Payments for scheme year one will commence in December 2023.
