This article is from page 11 of the 2006-08-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
CLARE farmers could be in line for a cash windfall if new measures aimed at protecting Irish herd numbers are passed through.
Senator Brendan Daly (FF) has made representations to the Minster for Agriculture Mary Coughlan to support discussions which are taking place at present with regard to the protection of the Cow Suckler Animal Welfare Scheme. These measures are aimed at protecting the Irish suckler cow herd which currently numbers 1.1 million.
It is expected that when details are finalised and passed by the European Union, payments of €100 a cow could be made to farmers. Talks are taking place with farming organisations and it is expected the proposed scheme would be ready for next year.
The main focus of the suckler cow welfare scheme is to maintain the suckler herd and to produce better beef animals. It would also focus on record keeping, breed improvement, environmental and welfare standards and education and training. Courses would be organised by the Department of Agriculture and Teagasc with the costings likely to be funded by the Exchequer.
At present there are 65,000 suckler farmers in Ireland and the new measures are expected to be tied with the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS).
“I have spoken to the Minister who made a strong commitment to the protection of the suckler herd when she spoke to me at the Tullamore Agricultural Show. I have drawn her attention to the situation in Clare where many farmers are apprehensive about the of the agricultural industry” said Senator Daly.