Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland Andrew Muir is reminding farmers that the deadline is approaching to opt in to the Beef Carbon Reduction (BCR) Scheme.
The minister said that failure to opt in by December 31, 2024 will result in eligible farm businesses missing out on a payment for eligible animals slaughtered this year.
If a farm business opts in and does not meet the eligibility conditions or have any eligible animals in that scheme year, no penalties will apply.
Beef
The BCR Scheme was introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) earlier this year.
The measure provides a new income support scheme to encourage beef farmers to reduce the slaughter age of cattle with the view to improving overall industry efficiency and to reduce its carbon footprint.
The online BCR portal which handles applications includes a screening system which enables farmers and livestock handlers to check the status of their cattle to confirm if the animal will be eligible for payments under the scheme once slaughtered.
Minister Muir said that the scheme will contribute to improving the productivity of the beef sector and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
“I am calling on farm businesses which have yet to opt in to the scheme, to do so by December 31, to ensure payment for eligible animals slaughtered in 2024.
“Those farm businesses who sold eligible cattle through a livestock market but had kept the cattle for 60 days during the 100 days immediately prior to slaughter should also opt in as they may be eligible for payment on these animals,” he said.
Farm businesses, or their authorised persons, must opt into the scheme online and can do so via the DAERA website.
According to the department the opt in process is quick and simple, requiring only a tick-box to be completed.
Once opted in, the farm business will receive a BCR payment each year thereafter, provided it meets the eligibility requirements in each year.
Scheme
The BCR Scheme is being implemented initially over a four-year period and will incentivise a progressive reduction in the age at slaughter each year.
Payments of £20, £40 and £60 will be made for eligible animals slaughtered in January, February and March of this year respectively.
From April 1, 2024 the scheme will provide the farmer with funding of £75 for each eligible animal slaughtered.
Payments are capped at a maximum of 352,000 animals in Northern Ireland per scheme year.
