A total of 15,109 farmers have so far applied for support under the €50m Beef Finisher Payment.

Figures released by the Department of Agriculture to the Irish Farmers Journal show that 36% of the 42,000 farmers eligible for the payment have submitted an application.

The scheme will provide a payment of €100 per head for animals slaughtered between 1 February 2020 and 12 June 2020.

It has been rolled out to support beef finishing farms severely affected by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Payment

Farmers can receive payment on a maximum of 100 animals and they must also be a member of Bord Bia’s quality assurance scheme or undertake to become a member before 30 September.

The once-off scheme opened for applications on 18 August and farmers have until 9 September to apply. Farmers should submit their application via www.agfood.ie.

The Department has said payments will be made in November 2020.

Farmers should apply for €50m fund for beef finishers as soon as possible

Beef finisher payment opens to 42,000 farmers

Over 15,000 farmers apply for Beef Finisher Payment

Approximately 42,000 farmers are eligible for payment under the scheme, which closes for applications on 9 September.