Over 20,000 applications were made to the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme by the closing date of May 22, which clearly demonstrates the level of interest suckler farmers have in improving the environmental and economic sustainability of the national beef herd.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, said there has been significant uptake in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) which opened on 20 March 2023.
The Minister said: “I am delighted with the level of applications which demonstrates the importance of strong national and EU support for the Suckler Herd.
“I firmly believe that we have the world leading suckler herd that is the envy of the world. SCEP is an excellent scheme that rewards farmers with a payment of €150/cow on the first 22 cows and €120/cow thereafter. This compares to €90/cow on the first 10/cows and €80/cow thereafter in the BDGP. This is a clear commitment by me and the government in supporting our excellent suckler farmers.”
The Minister reminded farmers to be mindful of ensuring they now meet both the eligibility requirements and the compliance requirements to ensure they generate these important SCEP farm payments.
Applicants are reminded to:
1. ensure they calve down a minimum of 50% of the yearly reference number they applied for, between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023
2. ensure they are in the Bord Bia Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme (SBLAS) by 16 October 2023 at the very latest, and
3. ensure they submit their BISS application by midnight 29 May 2023
Failure to meet one or more of these three eligibility criteria will result in no payment and removal from SCEP.
The department will be writing to all farmers shortly acknowledging their scheme application and reminding applicants of their obligations under the programme.
Applicants can still apply for the scheme up to June 16, 2023, albeit with a late application penalty.