Sinn Féin has proposed a suckler cow scheme which would front-load payments of €300/cow on the first 15 cows.

It would pay €150/head for the next 15 cows with calves and €80/head for the remainder, with a cap of 100 cows.

Announcing the proposal, Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture Matt Carthy said the scheme provides “a bold vision for Irish family farming and for rural Ireland”.

The scheme would represent a commitment of an additional €107m in spending, Sinn Féin said and the scheme would be open to all suckler farmers.

Sustainable beef

“We recognise that for far too long the suckler farmer has not received a fair price for their premium produce. Despite producing the best beef in the world, which is among the most environmentally sustainable beef produced in the world.

"Sinn Féin are committed to supporting the suckler farmer. Sinn Féin are committed to a new plan for our farming families that delivers fair prices, a fair CAP and fair play,” he said.

Carthy encouraged the Government to adopt this model in Budget 2021.

"Through all the rhetoric of climate action, it is bizarre that Government policies continue to promote an intensive beef production model that favours factory feedlots rather than the suckler family farm model.

"Saving the Irish family farm is essential if we are to save our rural communities. Our alternative budget will deliver for both family farmers and the local communities that depend on them,” he said.

Read more

Bull beef slaughterings hit five-year low

More O’s as dairy influence grows

Calls for two-year extension to BDGP