The Bovine TB Stakeholders’ Forum has agreed renewed TB compensation schemes and funding arrangements for farmers in Ireland under the TB programme, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has confirmed.
On the back of his latest announcement, the minister has urged stakeholders to continue developing measures and “increase ambitions” in the drive towards TB eradication in the “coming years”.
The minister stated that the TB Forum’s recommendations have been “key” to the development of policies that can help to “reduce and ultimately” eradicate TB.
In a statement, he remarked: “Under the stewardship of the chair Michael Cronin, this collaborative model of the forum is making real and impactful progress, with herd incidence continuing to reduce this year.”
“Some of the Forum recommendations are already being implemented, such as the change in policy regarding inconclusive animals, additional support for wildlife control and badger vaccination.”
“Farmers, veterinarians, scientists, my department and all other stakeholders continue to have vital roles to play.”
“The journey ahead is challenging, but collaboration like this makes it possible to travel this journey successfully together,” he remarked.
“I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional pain associated with a TB breakdown, so I am happy to see the constructive engagement of all members of the TB forum.”
The Financial Working Group has reached an agreement on changes to TB compensation schemes and the funding of these schemes under the TB programme as well as support as a transitional measure towards the implementation of Animal Health Law requirements for 2023.”
The minister continued: “I would like to thank Mr. Gerry Kiely, chair of the Financial Working Group, for his efforts in reaching an agreement.”
“The Implementation Working Group, under the chair of Dr. Sean Brady and the Scientific Working Group, under the chair of Dr. John Griffin, will continue to meet to develop further strategies to continue to reduce disease levels.”
Rates: Income supplement, hardship and population grants
The latest agreement will see enhanced rates for farmers across monthly income supplement measures and depopulation and hardship grants, as outlined below –
Income Supplement monthly rates
| Herd type | |
| Dairy | Current rate € 55 |
| New rate € | |
| 1st 5 mths post calving: €100 | |
| 6-10 mths post calving: €65 | |
| 2 mths x €0 | |
| Herd type | |
| Suckler | Current rate € 38.09 |
| New rate € | |
| 1st 7 mths post calving : €52 | |
| 8-12 mths post calving : €40 | |
| Herd type | |
| Other | Current rate € 25.39 |
| New rate € 30 |
Depopulation Grant
| Herd type | Current rate € | New rate € |
| Dairy | 220 | 280 |
| Suckler | 152.36 | 180 |
| Other | 76.16 | 120 |
Hardship Grant Monthly rates
| Herd type | Current Rate € | New Rate € |
| Suckler | 38 | €50 |
| Dairy/other | 25 | €30 |
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