Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2011
123 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the criteria used to determine the successful applicants in the forthcoming competition for new entrants to dairying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6936/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2011 Scheme for the Allocation of Milk Quota to New Entrants was announced on 31 January 2011, with a closing date of 8 April 2011. The Scheme provides for three New Entrant categories, namely:
Category A — Brand New Entrant to Dairying
Category B — Purchaser of Quota as a New Entrant through the Milk Quota Trading Scheme
Category C — Purchaser of Quota as a Successor through the Milk Quota Trading Scheme
In order to be eligible for consideration, each applicant must:
satisfy the education and training qualifications as outlined in Annex I of the detailed rules of the scheme. A copy of the relevant documentation must be submitted with the application,
have/will have a holding comprised of lands owned and/or leased by him or her,
have/will have his/her own separate independent herd number in which the dairy animals are/will be registered,
have his/her own separate milking and milk storage facilities situated on his/her holding prior to commencement of milk production,
submit a comprehensive 5-year business plan.
Applications that satisfy the eligibility criteria will be submitted for a detailed assessment. An independent panel has been established for this purpose. The panel will make recommendations to me for approval of those applications considered to provide the best evidence of a viable and sustainable enterprise.
The assessment will focus on the following areas:
Educational Qualifications — Preference may be given to applicants with qualifications more specific to dairying,
Background — Extent to which applicants have any previous involvement/interest in farming, particularly in dairy farming. This will include any skills or experience already developed, and the extent of any family involvement,
Business Plan — Applicants should present a comprehensive plan setting out their commitment to the dairy enterprise and its future development,
Financial Input — Preference may be given to applicants on the basis of personal financial commitment to the enterprise,
I hope to be in a position to announce the completion of the process by the end of May.
