The Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) has called on the Department of Agriculture to immediately issue the Beef Finisher Payment, in line with the Government's commitment to roll out the payment in November.

The payment amounts to approximately €100 per head to all eligible applicants and relates to losses incurred by farmers during the period1 February to 12 June 2020.

More than 28,000 farmers applied for the scheme. The average payment for farmer will be in the region of €1,600, with farmers applying for just over 16 animals on average.

Cash flow boost

Chair of ICMSA’s livestock committee Des Morrison said: “Given that the closing date for applications was early September, it was to be expected that farmers should be receiving this payment without any further delay.

“Set against the serious profitability issues in beef production and the annual bills traditionally paid at this time of year, the issue and receipt of this payment would give farmer cash flow a much needed boost.”

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