Almost half of all farms that applied to the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) in 2019 are already meeting the requirement to reduce bovine nitrogen by 5% in the coming year.

A total of 33,411 farmers availed of €78m in supports for those affected by falls in the price for finished cattle due to Brexit. As part of the scheme, farms had to commit to reducing bovine nitrogen output on their farms by 5% between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021.

In a response to a question from Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said there was no intention to amend the requirement.

Progress

Minister Creed said the requirement would only begin next month and the most recent analysis of nitrates trends in applied herds indicated two-thirds had already begun making adjustments to meet it.

“Participants who need advice on how to manage this reduction can contact the Department or consult an agricultural adviser to work out which changes will make most sense on their farm,” he said.

Almost 200 farmers apply for BEAM nitrates derogation

A BEAM solution?

Half of BEAM farms already meeting 5% nitrates reduction

Over the coming 12 months, farms that applied to the BEAM scheme must reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen by 5%.