Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue.
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Association ICSA) is set to join the meat and livestock board of An Bord Bia, the Minister for Agriculture has said.
Speaking at its AGM, Minister Charlie McConalogue said that the ICSA had proven itself in being a constructive partner and that the ICSA’s voice would be valid on the board.
He confirmed that he has requested a change to the BEAM scheme’s reference period, as revealed in the
“As it stands, applicants of the scheme have until 30 June to reach their reduction target and I have put forward a strong case to the [European] Commission seeking a new 12-month reference period of 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 for those farmers who require an extension,” he explained.
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Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin alongside Charlie McConalogue at last year s IFA AGM.\ Finbarr O Rourke
It’s one year ago this week since Micheál Martin arrived into the Irish Farm Centre ahead of the general election at the IFA AGM, but has he made good on his promises to farmers?
At last year’s AGM, he committed to a €15/ewe payment under the Sheep Welfare Scheme, a €5 increase.
This commitment hasn’t been followed through on, to date, and last week Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue announced that the scheme would be extended for 2021, but there was no mention of an increase in the payment rate per ewe.