Speaking at BDGP information meeting in Elphin mart, Co Roscommon on Thursday night, Gordon Conroy from the Department of Agriculture confirmed that “nearly all” of those who applied for a reference year change were accepted.

“We received approximately 1,000 requests for a change of reference year and almost all of those were successful,” Conroy said.

Conroy confirmed that concessions were made for farmers who “didn’t farm to their full potential” in 2014 and needed a change of reference year.

As part of the initial terms and conditions of the BDGP, 2014 was established as the reference year for stock numbers in which payments would be calculated on. This caused concern among sections of farmer as many had fewer cows in calf in 2014 following on from the fodder crisis of 2013. There were also issues around reference years for new entrants.

Conroy also confirmed that in region of 1,000 herds of the 29,000 herds which applied for BDGP have withdrawn from the programme. However, “a large number” of those have requested to come back into the programme with Conroy confirming that these herds will be accommodated.

The meeting, which was organised by the IFA, was well attended with over 300 farmers in attendance. Speakers included Sean Coughlan and Chris Daly from the ICBF and Henry Burns from the IFA.

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