At the first Irish Farmers Association (IFA) Regional Livestock Breeders' Information Meeting, dedicated to a € 100 million EU-funded “beef fund,” six key principles that the IFA Animal Husbandry Committee and National Council formulated for the distribution of the fund were supported.
The meeting was attended by over 350 farmers from all over Ireland. IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said dairy producers and farmers who sold exclusively high-grade livestock since last September were hit hardest.
IFA President Joe Healy said: “During the active debate, it was clear that getting cattle feed and“ suckers ”should be a priority. We understand that the EU Commission will distribute the draft regulation among member states on Thursday, June 6. It will set out the parameters of the distribution of funds. "
Joe Healy also said that the main message of the meeting of livestock breeders in Ireland is that the "beef package" Brexit worth 100 million euros should be aimed at farmers who just need help. It is necessary to consider farmers who suffered losses due to falling prices for beef and their income situation.
Six principles of the distribution of the euro fund:
- Payment should go directly to meat farmers, not factories, factory sites, or livestock owned by the factory, agents, or dealers.
- The funds should be intended for farmers who have suffered losses and sectors that need income most.
- To farmers who sold cattle, heifers, young bulls, and dairy farmers since last fall.
- Payments should be made quickly and directly to farmers.
- Ready cattle sold at exhibitions should be included in the payment.
- The Department of Agriculture, Food, and Navigation of Ireland (DAFM) has all AIM data to ensure accurate fund planning.
