Minister Charlie McConalogue must honour the commitment made at mart meetings to pay out on every suckler cow that applied is for in the next CAP.
That is according to IFA national livestock chairman, Brendan Golden, who has reiterated the need for a €300/suckler cow payment.
In addition, it is requesting a €100/animal payment for cattle rearing and finishing farmers to ensure CAP monies.
It believes these two measures will directly support Irish farmers for producing beef to the world’s highest welfare and environmental standards.
Suckler cow support
“The minister confirmed in Thurles on Friday and again yesterday in Granard that every suckler cow would be approved for funding at the levels announced.”
“What has been allocated so far for Pillar II will not meet that commitment, so the minister has to find the extra funding needed,” he said.
Golden said the Minister has the opportunity to directly support farmers with “meaningful, targeted” schemes.
He called on the minister to provide a scheme that directly supports rearing and finishing farmers. He said some of the farmers are losing the most through convergence, CRISS and eco-schemes.
“These farms are integral to the beef production systems in Ireland. The proposed strategic plans must include a scheme that delivers €100/animal payment for farmers who rear and finish cattle.”
€300/suckler and €100/animal for rearing and finishing
Furthermore, Golden said the minister had told farmers he is prepared to listen. “He has got the message loud and clear that €300 for suckler cows, and €100/animal for cattle rearing and finishing, must be provided in the new CAP.”
“The minister has referred to his plans as ‘proposals’. Suckler and beef farmers are telling him loud and clear that he needs to go back to the drawing board.”
Concluding, he said: “It’s time for him to act on their clear message. He needs to provide the funding in the Pillar II schemes to deliver on these objectives.”
