November 10, 2006

Ireland's EUR 250-million suckler scheme for beef producers
 

In a recent suckler cow scheme, Irish beef producers would be offered up to EUR 80/cow (US$102) to boost the reputation of their product in the UK and other overseas markets.

The EUR 250-million (US$320 million) project is contained in Ireland's Rural Development Plan for 2007-2013, due out for consultation imminently.

The scheme aims to protect Ireland's one-million suckler cowherd, which incidentally is source of high quality beef, noted agriculture minister Mary Coughlan. Some 65,000 producers would be able to apply for payments in return for delivering a range of animal welfare and quality related measures.

For instance, about EUR 49/cow (US$62)) would be available for respecting tight rules on disbudding, castrating and weaning while "animal events" recording, such as breeding data, would earn anotherEUR 12/cow (US$15).

Irish Farmers' Association president Padraig Walshe described the scheme as "a major strategic investment" aimed at securing Ireland's position in overseas markets.

If approved in Brussels, the scheme would mark a return to some form of coupled support.