Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has told the Irish Farmers Journal he won’t fight the European Commission’s condition that farmers should cut beef supply to access €100m in Brexit aid.
“I think we can deal with supply reduction in a manageable way if that’s a part of it, but particularly I want to get the money out to farmers as quickly as possible,” said Minister Creed.
Listen to "Fertiliser management critical in climate plan – Creed" on Spreaker.
He added that this spring’s beef price “disaster” has made payment more urgent.
He said that the Commission’s draft conditions to fund half the scheme were similar to those for dairy aid following the 2015 milk price crash, which also included supply reduction.
Care is needed as some EU countries have not welcomed the funding for Irish beef farmers, he added.
“That’s a voluntary scheme. It’s not a compulsory beef reduction scheme, but those wishing to avail of it will have to avail of whatever terms and conditions are finalised and we await that,” Minister Creed said.
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Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has told the Irish Farmers Journal he won’t fight the European Commission’s condition that farmers should cut beef supply to access €100m in Brexit aid.
“I think we can deal with supply reduction in a manageable way if that’s a part of it, but particularly I want to get the money out to farmers as quickly as possible,” said Minister Creed.
Listen to "Fertiliser management critical in climate plan – Creed" on Spreaker.
He added that this spring’s beef price “disaster” has made payment more urgent.
He said that the Commission’s draft conditions to fund half the scheme were similar to those for dairy aid following the 2015 milk price crash, which also included supply reduction.
Care is needed as some EU countries have not welcomed the funding for Irish beef farmers, he added.
“That’s a voluntary scheme. It’s not a compulsory beef reduction scheme, but those wishing to avail of it will have to avail of whatever terms and conditions are finalised and we await that,” Minister Creed said.
Read more
€100m beef fund conditions anger farmers
Government accused of misleading farmers with €100m beef fund
Judas-like sell-out of suckler farmers by Irish Commissioner – INHFA
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