Beef Finisher Payments commence

Beef Finisher Payments to over 950 farmers on County Cavan have commenced.

“I welcome confirmation by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, .D, that payments of €46.6 million to 27,200 farmers under the 2020 Beef Finisher Payment have commenced," Deputy Brendan Smith (FF) confirmed to the Celt this morning.

This scheme delivers direct financial supports to beef finishers who were adversely affected by COVID-19. This payment has also helped to provide a floor to the mart trade this Autumn. The scheme has also assisted beef finishers in purchasing weanlings and store animals, which has, in turn, supported suckler farmers.

There were 952 applications in County Cavan with an average payment of €1,432 and 1,178 applications in neighbouring County Monaghan with an average payment of €1,553.

"Over recent years the beef sector has faced particular challenges and it needs sustained government support in view of its importance to the rural economy,” stated Deputy Brendan Smith.