Donegal dairy farmers are to get the bonus before Christmas.
Fine Gael Minister Joe McHugh says the funding top up of €1,350 for dairy farmers in Donegal will be an important boost at the end of what has been a difficult year.
“This direct aid package for the dairy and pig sectors of €27.4 million, unveiled by Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney, is made up of €13.7 million of EU funding and a further €13.7 million in matching national funding.
“The payment will be made on a flat rate basis and means that dairy farmers in Donegal will each receive approximately €1,350. This top-up funding is to be made to farmers before Christmas and I know it will be an important boost to them, particularly as many are experiencing cash-flow problems.
“€1 million of the overall package will be reserved for the pig sector and how this will be divided will be decided shortly.”
There will also be an additional €800 top-up for young dairy farmers in Donegal which will be made in early 2016.
“This has been a very difficult year for the dairy and pigmeat sectors in Ireland and I know that farmers here in Donegal have been feeling the effects of the market downturn. Speaking to farmers I know that cash-flow has been a particular problem.
“Minister Coveney has been working to ensure that dairy and pigmeat farmers in Donegal receive additional support. In September he presented a six point plan to the EU Commissioner and his EU ministerial colleagues, much of which has been taken on board, including:
· an improved PSA scheme for both SMP and pigmeat, which will include longer periods for storage as well as the improved aid rates
· the re-introduction of PSA for cheese
· a provision allowing 70% advance in the single farm payment
· a provision of increased funding for promotion
· the provision of almost €14 million in targeted direct aid for farmers which can be matched nationally.
“The additional funding announced today for farmers in Donegal comes on top of the 70% advance payment also agreed as part of this package and which has now delivered over €1 billion to farmers in the last two months.
“There is no doubt that these are difficult times for dairy and pigmeat farmers in Donegal but Minister Coveney and this Government are committed to continuing to work for them. Fine Gael has a long term plan to keep the recovery going and part of this plan is to ensure we support and assist our farmers, who are the backbone of this country and our economy.”
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