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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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Balancing payments for Sheep Welfare Scheme farmers

The Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine has commenced issuing 15% balancing payments to all eligible farmers under year 5 (2021) of the Sheep Welfare Scheme.

According to Minister McConalogue, the rollout of these balancing payments, worth approximately €2 million, brings the total amount the DAFM has paid to 18,100 farmers under the Sheep Welfare Scheme for 2021 to €18 million.

He said the scheme provides a “significant” financial boost to farmers, the sheep sector, in general, and the wider rural economy.

The DAFM issued 85% advance payments to eligible farmers in November 2021.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 8th, 2022, Minister McConalogue said:

“The increased budget for the scheme secured in Budget 2022 reflects the commitment of both myself and the government to sheep farmers throughout Ireland.”

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“The payments issuing today reflect the change to the reference year, bringing the reference year to the higher of farmers’ existing reference number or their 2017 (2019 for new entrants) census return.”

He said the Sheep Welfare Scheme is a “key” component in meeting his department’s goal of promoting and safeguarding animal health and welfare.

He added that this is for the benefit of consumers, producers, the economy, and wider society, as the department set out in its Statement of Strategy 2021-2024.

The minister concluded by urging farmers with outstanding queries to respond to the department immediately to facilitate payment.

He confirmed that the DAFM will continue to issue payments on an ongoing basis as it confirms eligibility for farmers with outstanding queries.

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