For the 2020 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme, donkeys will continue to be eligible for consideration towards an applicant’s stocking density requirements.
A parliamentary question was raised in relation to the matter by Fine Gael’s Brendan Griffin recently.
In response, Minister Creed, said: “Following consultation with stakeholders in advance of the 2019 ANC scheme, it was decided to introduce changes in the scheme stocking requirement in relation to donkeys.”
“From the 2020 scheme year, only 50% of an applicant’s stocking density can be fulfilled using donkeys and the balance must be fulfilled using other eligible animals.”
This change, the Minister added, was highlighted in the terms and conditions document of the 2019 ANC scheme in order to give sufficient lead-in time to applicants who may need to amend their stocking patterns.
