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ICSA: Struggling farmers forced to rely on Farm Assist scheme

Jun 12, 2014 | Press Releases | 0 comments

12th June 2014

ICSA Suckler Chairman Dermot Kelleher believes that the continuing beef crisis means that farmers now have no option but to apply for state supports such as the Farm Assist Scheme.

“ICSA recently pointed out that farmers would make more on the dole than in suckling, and just this week, we have had to deal with a further blow as meat factories continue to cut the value of cull cows,” said Mr. Kelleher. “Farmers who are ploughing their Single Farm Payment straight back into the farm simply to keep going and taking little or no income for themselves should apply for the Farm Assist Scheme.”

Farm Assist works on the basis that qualifying farmers are paid the difference between assessed weekly means and the corresponding social welfare payment for their situation. For example, the rate for a family of two adults and three child dependents is just over €400 or almost €21,000 per annum, meaning that if the family’s assessed weekly means amounted to €200, their income would be supplemented by a further €200 per week.

It is likely that Farm Assist will be of particularly significant benefit to farm families where there is no off-farm income. However, it is also possible that, where a spouse is in employment, the family could still qualify for some payment.

Mr. Kelleher urged farmers to seek advice on whether or not they qualify for the scheme.

“Most of the Local Development Partnerships provide free assistance to farmers to help with the application and I would strongly urge farmers to avail of this service.”

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