New Suckler Scheme SCEP a Key Contributor to the Income of Suckler Farmers

IFA National Livestock Chair Brendan Golden said the SCEP is a key contributor to the income of suckler farmers, providing the equivalent of over €150 on the first 22 cows and €120 on all remaining cows, and it is vital all farmers who applied to the scheme are paid in full on all of their eligible animals.

A key scheme requirement is membership of SBLAS by the 16th of October 2023 and have continued participation for the duration of the programme.

Brendan Golden said the Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia must ensure all farmers who applied for the SCEP meet the SBLAS requirement by the 16th of October.

The IFA National Livestock Chair reminded farmers who are not currently SBLAS approved they must contact Bord Bia to have their farm approved before the 16th of October deadline.

He said farms must be fully Quality Assured by this date and to achieve this, applications should be made as soon as possible to avoid delays in getting approved before the deadline date.

He said farmers who are not full members of SBLAS by this date will be removed from the programme.

Brendan Golden said a high number of applications are anticipated in the coming weeks and he urged farmers to make contact with Bord Bia on 062 54900 to start the process.