Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
951. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the reduction in herd numbers for farmers in the BEAM scheme is being calculated; the average number of farmers to date who have had to reduce their herd; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23752/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) was to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132.
Just over 33,000 participants joined the scheme and, in doing so, gave a commitment to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on the holding by 5% for the period 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021 as compared with the reference period 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2019 as recorded on the Department's AIM system. Article 1 (3) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132 clearly sets out that measures taken by Ireland shall be aimed at reducing production or restructuring the sector.
The nitrogen being produced on BEAM participants holdings is calculated on a daily basis against the stock profile on the holding each day. The annual nutrient excretion rates for bovines within the BEAM schemes are based on the Nitrates Regulations (S.I. No. 605/2017) and table six within it. For example, cattle (0-1 year old) are calculated as producing 24kg of nitrogen per year which equates to 0.6575kg per day.
In light of the difficulties some farmers were experiencing in meeting this reduction arising from COVID-19 Government Public Health restrictions, I sought approval from the EU Commission in January 2021 to bring in an alternative reduction period for those who require it. In that context, since 19 March 2021, BEAM participants can (using agfood.ie) select the alternative reduction period of 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021 over which to meet their 5% reduction. This facility remains opens until 21th June 2021 and to date, some 4,500 BEAM participants have opted for the deferred reduction period.
The Department continues to provide a monthly update to all BEAM participants with the bovine figures up to 31st March 2021 now available on agfood.ie. The monthly letter for May containing these bovine numbers will issue to BEAM participants this week.
