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All tags sold from 1 November by Mullinahone, Cormac Tagging and Datamars will include a 38c charge for a contribution to ICBF.
The 38c will be included in the price for each tag set, with a footnote at the bottom of each invoice outlining that the price includes 38c for ICBF, as agreed between the tag companies and the Department of Agriculture.
The move will ensure continued funding for ICBF in the order of at least €780,000 annually.
When the ICBF levy was optional, many farmers had opted not to pay the 38c fee when ordering tags.
Data
ICBF chair Michael Doran said he welcomed the funding for ICBF, but added: “Money was only part of the issue. Now we will have every animal contributing to ICBF data.
“It will help farmers to retain ownership and control over their data and the direction of ICBF.
“The mandate it [the 38c contribution] gives is as important as the money itself.”
The Irish Farmers Journal understands that each of the three tag companies is in the process of having their tag order forms approved by the Department of Agriculture.
Minister confirms return of compulsory ICBF tag contribution
SHARING OPTIONS: