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The €1.5m crop loss support measure agreed between the Department of Agriculture and the IFA is now open to applications from affected tillage farmers.
Speaking at the launch of the measure, the minister said: “While many farmers experienced difficult challenges last year, this was particularly the case for a number of cereal farmers who experienced an exceptionally difficult harvest and resulting yield losses for certain spring crops."
The minister added that this is a very important sector to the agricultural economy, making a vital contribution to both the food and feedstuffs sector.
I have always stated that there was a will to support these farmers, the challenge was to find a way that ensured support was focused and targeted at those most impacted, whilst also ensuring prudent expenditure of public finances.
"I am pleased that a way has now been found – through positive dialogue and engagement. I am satisfied that the measure of a €1.5 million maximum scheme addresses both of these requirements."
Terms
This measure will provide a financial contribution towards the cost of spring cereals crop losses in excess of 30% by yield, experienced by growers.
Minister Creed confirmed that application forms including details on eligibility for the Crop Loss Support Measure will be available on his Department’s website from Wednesday 26 July.
Forms are also available from the Department’s local office network also. The closing date for applications under the scheme will be Friday, 25 August.
Commitment to the sector
Minister Creed reaffirmed his commitment to the sector, including having provided national funding to allow the Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme to be extended to tillage farmers.
The latest data available from the SBCI, on the drawdown to the end of June, indicates total loans of €7.739m have been provided to the tillage sector (in line with the relative size of the sector).
The loan scheme provides farmers with a low-cost, flexible source of working capital, and will allow farmers to pay down more expensive forms of short-term debt, ensuring the ongoing financial sustainability of viable farming enterprises.
"This new support measure, together with the Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme I introduced last autumn and also the current tillage investment scheme under TAMS II will, when taken together, provide significant support for this essential sector and underlines my ongoing support to securing its future."
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