Changes sought in BEAM scheme
CHANGES have been called for this week in the BEAM (Beef Exceptional Aid Measure) scheme – the deadline for applications has been extended to midnight on Sunday next, September 15.
IFA President, Joe Healy, said that changes needed to be made to the scheme to ensure that more farmers could be eligible to apply and, in the process, ensure that all of the €100 million was paid out.
He said that the scheme in its current form was too restrictive and prevented certain sections of beef farmers from applying – Joe Healy called on the Minister to ‘reassess the restrictions’ that applied to the scheme.
“This must include the 5% reduction in organic nitrogen; the 100 head and 40 head suckler limits; restriction on dairy farmers with a beef enterprise; partnerships and farmers who exported finished cattle to Northern Ireland.
“The Minister cannot let a situation develop where any of this money is left behind, considering the severe income crisis in the livestock sector,” said Joe Healy.
IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said any farmers who sold finished cattle in the marts also needed to make an application without delay.
“These farmers are eligible for payment and if they are encountering any difficulty, they should seek help or revert to the appeal process on the online application, but make sure to lodge an application,” said Angus Woods.
Last week, Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, announced the extension of the deadline for application from last Sunday, September 8 to next Sunday (midnight), September 15.
“I am delighted to see that a large number of farmers have already [Wednesday, Sept. 4] applied online for this key support.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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