ICSA beef chairman, Edmund Graham, has given a “guarded” welcome to an announcement on the Beef Finisher Payment scheme which, he said, is “in line” with the group’s submission to target funds towards winter finishers.
“The scheme is set to deliver at least €100 per animal, slaughtered between February 1st and June 12th, 2020, subject to a limit of 100 animals.”
“We are pleased that the scheme has delivered key asks from ICSA. A provision is included which should have the effect of delivering money to farmers who sold animals in the mart and which were subsequently slaughtered within 30 days. We also are pleased that there is no de-stocking clause.”
Graham said that farmers have to be either a member of the Quality Assurance Scheme or else committed to joining before September 30th.
“Factory-owned animals are not eligible, again a key demand from ICSA.”
‘More buyers around the ring for autumn sales’
“However, ICSA is not happy that live exported cattle do not seem to be mentioned and we will be seeking urgent clarification on this.”
“Overall, the inclusion of finished animals over eight months of age, which includes suckler cows, is in line with what we lobbied for and we welcome the announcement.”
“It is clear that winter finishers have needed a break after several disastrous years, and this will help the suckler farmer indirectly when it comes to having more buyers around the ring for autumn sales.” he concluded.
