An increase in the TB levies is being considered by stakeholders at the TB Forum.

It is proposed that the additional funds generated by the levy hikes will be used to finance higher compensation payments for farmers hit by TB breakdowns.

The proposed levy increases have not been agreed by the various stakeholders, but it has been suggested that the levy on milk could be increased from 0.06c/l to 0.07c/l. This would generate around €800,000 in additional funding.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that the cattle slaughter levy could potentially be increased from €1.27/head to around €1.40/head.

It is proposed that the compensation payments to farmers who suffer TB breakdowns will be increased in line with the additional funds generated from the levy increases.

The TB compensation packages include the income supplement, the hardship grant and the depopulation payment.

Income supplement

While the increased level of compensation has not been fully agreed by the TB Forum stakeholders, it is understood that the income supplement on dairy cows could rise from €55/month to €70/month for 12 months or €84/month for 10 months.

It has been suggested that the income supplement on suckler cows could increase from €38.09/month to €45/month, with the payments on younger stock going from €25.39/month to €30/month.

The farm organisations involved with the TB Forum insisted that the increased levy contributions also be returned to farmers in the form of higher hardship grants and depopulation payments.

Deer management

Meanwhile, it is anticipated that Teddy Cashman will be announced as the chair of the new deer and wildlife management group.

The new grouping is the successor to the Irish deer management forum, which has not met since 2018.

The new body will enable stakeholders to discuss difficulties related to the country’s growing deer population, as well as other wildlife, and make recommendations on how best to address the challenges involved.