The Department of Agriculture said that 16,000 farmers were paid €30.2m “on target in December”. The first payment of the new year resulted in a further €1.4m issued to 750 farmers.

In total, 29,780 applications were received by the closing date last June. However, around 3,000 subsequently withdrew from the scheme, leaving 27,000 participants. The Department added that “payments will now continue on an ongoing basis as compliance is verified”.

Criteria for the scheme

The scheme, which launched in May last year and has a budget of over €300m for its lifespan, aims to encourage the introduction of higher genetic merit animals. Some of the steps to ensure eligibility include completing the required data notifications, carrying out the required genotyping, participating in general BDGP training and completing a carbon navigator with a trained adviser.

As a result, this will reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of beef production by improving production efficiency on suckler farms.

The Department also said that “there are eligibility issues with a further 500 applicants, which are being examined and finalised”.

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