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HomeDairyNew bonus could add €5,000/year to dairy farmers’ pockets
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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New bonus could add €5,000/year to dairy farmers’ pockets

International dairy, ingredients and flavours business, Carbery Group, has announced details of a package which would see its farmer suppliers receive a potential €6m annual bonus for adopting four “key” sustainability measures.

The sustainability bonus FutureProof initiative is the newest phase in its long-standing farm sustainability programme.

From 2023, Carbery suppliers, who meet the following measures, will receive a bonus of 1c/L of milk:

  • Milk recording at least four times a year;
  • Using a percentage of protected urea as part of their total fertiliser use;
  • Commit to an ASSAP assessment;
  • Meeting certain EBI thresholds.

The group stated it has chosen to focus on four “very specific, measurable” areas, which, they believe will have the most impact, in terms of:

  • Reducing environmental impact;
  • Improving efficiency on farms;
  • Shifting the dial quickly on emissions and water quality.

The group added the bonus means that these farmers – who are already undertaking these practices – will be rewarded for good practice.

On the other hand, it will support farmers who want to make the switch to some of these practices or maximise their work in these areas.

0.5c/L bonus

To assist farmers in preparing for the full roll-out of the scheme next year, in 2022, Carbery will pay a 0.5cpl bonus to every farmer who signs up.

Carbery Group says the intention is that this will allow them to make “necessary” investments to achieve the full bonus in 2023.

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In opting in for FutureProof this year, farmers will commit to a sustainability pledge and agree to undergo an ASSAP assessment for water quality.

The FutureProof bonus will take full effect in 2023. Implementing all four FutureProof measures – which That’s Farming ­has outlined above – would see the average Carbery supplier earn an additional €5,000/annum from the bonus, the group says.

This is, in addition, to savings and gains that would be made through efficiencies and increased productivity.

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