A scheme to provide grant aid on calf-rearing equipment has been announced by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.

A total of €1.5m has been made available to fund the scheme to support farmers in the purchase of calf feeders, milk carts with mixer included and calf teat feeders.

When a farmer purchases one of these items, they will also be eligible to receive support for the purchase of other items, such as calf milk heaters, calf forage/hay racks, calf meal troughs, calf feed barriers and calf pen dividers.

A minimum investment of €1,000 excluding VAT is required, while the maximum investment proposed is €7,500 excluding VAT. Equipment purchased within this range will be eligible for 40% grant aid.

The scheme will open for applications on 7 January 2020.

Welfare

Minister Creed said: “This initiative is one of a series of measures being put in place by stakeholders in advance of the spring calving season with a view to ensuring the highest possible calf welfare outcomes.”

The Department of Agriculture is reviewing the 10-day minimum age threshold at which a calf may be sold to ensure it is delivering the expected animal welfare outcomes.

As part of efforts to ensure the welfare of calves, the Farmed Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) is finalising a new calf-rearing advisory booklet. The booklet will be distributed to all dairy farmers.

Minister Creed also confirmed that he was writing to all 17,000 dairy farmers urging them to make adequate preparation at this stage for the upcoming calving season.

“This effort is critical in ensuring the highest welfare standards were applied across the board in farms, marts and in the transport sector. These actions are also essential in protecting the image of Ireland as a sustainable producer of quality food,” the Minister concluded.

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