From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
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The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., today announced the commencement of the 15% balancing payments to all eligible farmers under year 4 of the Sheep Welfare Scheme. The Scheme is co-funded by the European Union as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020.
The rollout of the balancing payments brings the total paid under Year 4 of the Sheep Welfare Scheme to €16.6 million to some 18,300 farmers, providing a significant financial boost to the individual farmers, the sheep sector in general and the wider rural economy.
Minister McConalogue stated,
“The commencement of the balancing payments under the scheme on time continues to reflect the commitment of this Government to the sheep sector in Ireland, particularly in light of the challenging environment faced by farmers in the sector.”
The Minister added that,
“I was pleased to announce an extension to the scheme for Budget 2021, reflecting the continued commitment of this Government to the scheme and sheep farmers throughout Ireland. The Sheep Welfare Scheme is a key component in meeting my Department’s goal of promoting and safe guarding animal health and welfare for the benefit of consumers, producers, the economy and wider society, as set out in the Department’s Statement of Strategy 2021-2024 and Action Plan 2021. It also underlines my absolute commitment to the sector.”
The Minister concluded by urging farmers with outstanding queries to respond to the Department immediately in order to facilitate payment. Payments will continue to issue on an ongoing basis as eligibility is confirmed for farmers with outstanding queries.
The Department’s Statement of Strategy (2021 – 2024) and Action Plan 2021 can be viewed on the Department’s website at the following address: www.gov.ie/en/publication/a9d51-statement-of-strategy-2021-2024/
ENDS