THE Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue expected to make an announcement on a new Beef Environment Efficiency Programme – Sucklers (BEEP–S) ‘in the next couple of weeks’.
There had been calls recently or the Minister to open the new programme for applications.
Tonight, Minister McConalogue was the keynote speaker to the annual general meeting to the Donegal IFA.
BEEP-S was a scheme in place throughout 2020 for suckler farmers and the Donegal-based TD says a new announcement is imminent.
“As part of Budget 2021, I secured €85m to support our suckler and beef sectors which are the backbone of rural Ireland,” Minister McConalogue said.
“The BEEP-S scheme is a really important one for farmers who can achieve up to €90/calf. The €40m scheme, once officially approved, will deliver important income to farmers while also helping to drive genetic and animal health improvements if all measures are carried out. I hope to bring more news on this shortly.”
Members were told that the finishing touches were now being put to the programme and an announcement will be made once approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has been granted.
Minister McConalogue updated those attending the virtual AGM on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) negotiations, supports for the beef sector, and the current state-of-play on the Fair Deal legislation.
He added: “It was great to be able to meet with the Donegal IFA and address their AGM. We enjoyed a robust discussion on many of our shared issues.
“There are challenges facing our sector at present such as changing commodity markets, the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the fallout from Brexit, but farmers have continually proven themselves to be extremely resilient and I am confident we can face down these challenges. We can plot a positive future for our farm families.”
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