Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2015
430. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a farmer who, through no personal fault, lost 20% of that farmer's eligible holding in 2015, is excluded from the beef data and genomics programme; if he will review this rule in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20654/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPayment under the Beef Data and Genomic Programme will be made on the basis of a maximum payable area (MPA), subject to compliance with all other requirements as specified in the Terms and Conditions. This area is calculated by dividing the number of calved cows in 2014 by 1.5 and it is this MPA that cannot be reduced below 20%, not the entire area declared on the Basic Payment Scheme.
If a farmer’s forage area was reduced in 2014 due to unforeseen circumstances he/she should write to the Beef Schemes Section, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Government Offices, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois setting out the reasons for the reduction. Each situation will be examined on an individual basis.
