Dan Neville
Ceist:311 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the criteria for allocating suckler cow quota from the National Reserve in 2002. [1933/02]
Written Answers. - Suckler Cow Quota.
The Quota Review Group, comprising representatives of the major farm organisations, i.e. the IFA, ICMSA, Macra na Feirme, as well as representatives of Teagasc and this Department, met in July 2001 and put forward proposals, which I accepted, regarding allocations of suckler cow quota from the 2002 national reserve.
The priority categories were Category A: Farmers under 35 years of age who will apply for the suckler cow premium scheme for the first time in 2002. Farmers who applied for the first time in 2001 may also qualify under this category. Applicants must have the necessary farming qualifications and the livestock unit level on the holding must not exceed 50; Category B: Farmers with holdings on off-shore islands – at least 50% of the forage area of the holding must be located on the island. A total of 5% of the available quota was reserved for eligible applicants under this category; Category C: Organic farmers who are registered with the Department. The livestock unit level on the holding must not exceed 50. A total of 10% of the available quota was reserved for eligible farmers under this category; Category E: Farmers on the Cooley peninsula who had to destock as a direct result of the foot and mouth crisis. A total of 10% of the available quota was reserved for eligible farmers under this category; and Category D: Farmers who apply regularly for the suckler cow premium scheme and who required additional quota to ensure the future viability of their holdings.
An overall income limit of £20,873 and an off-farm income limit of £10,000 applied to all categories.