29 AUGUST 2017

ICSA suckler chairman John Halley has reminded farmers who have applied to participate in the BDGP II scheme that the deadline for appealing their reference year is this Thursday 31 August. Applicants were initially told a reference year of 2014 would be applicable; this reference year can now be appealed and changed to a reference year of 2017.

Commenting, Mr Halley said “This is a great opportunity for young farmers in particular who have been building up their stock numbers over the intervening years. Changing the reference year to 2017 will allow these farmers to maximise what they can get of out the scheme.”

“ICSA would like to see as many farmers as possible benefitting from the scheme and this flexibility on the part of the Department regarding a change of reference year is welcome indeed.”

Farmers must outline a valid case whereby 2017 would be a more appropriate reference year for their participation in the BDGP II scheme and have until 31 August to write to or email the Department of Agriculture.

ENDS