The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Dept approves €50m package for beef finishers
A €50 MILLION support scheme for beef-finishing farmers has been approved by cabinet in recent days, in a response to the severe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic – but still requires further engagement with stakeholders and submission to the EU for approval.
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed made the announcement on Friday, and said he acknowledged the severe market disturbance caused to the domestic beef sector by the restrictions imposed to tackle the virus.
“Farmers with finished animals have suffered a dual impact over recent months: reduced prices and a reduced kill,” Minister Creed said.
“This support for the beef sector is an emergency response to a dramatic economic shock, to mitigate the worst COVID-19 economic impacts on these farm enterprises.
“Beef farming is a significant economic contributor to local rural economies, and thus is more important than ever in sustaining these communities as we work towards economic recovery.”
Minister Creed said engagement with stakeholders will continue in relation to the details of the scheme, and the scheme must also be submitted to EU, who will ultimately make a decision on state-aid approval under the COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Framework.
“This is part of my ongoing efforts to ensure that all the appropriate support measures are put in place at national and EU level for our farming communities,” Minister Creed said.
“I urge all actors in the supply chain to recognise their interdependence and work collaboratively towards our shared objective –a beef sector which is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable.
“I have now made over €200 million in new money available specifically to beef farmers over the past two years on top of the €300 million under the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP).”
A meeting of the Beef Taskforce is also planned for the end of June, the Department statement outlined.
IFA President Tim Cullinan welcomed the news, but warned that “the small print will be very important”.
“This new package, along with the recent €35m BEEP-S scheme secured for suckler cows is badly needed,” he added, however.
Further discussions between relevant parties were to continue this week.