New welfare schemes for pig farmers and poultry producers
There is good news for pig farmers and poultry producers with the announcement of two new welfare schemes, according to local Fianna Fáil TD Niall Blaney. 17/06/10“The Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Smith TD has informed me that two new on-farm investment schemes are to be implemented that will benefit pig farmers and poultry producers.
“The Schemes are worth a maximum of €29 million and are part of a €113 million targeted scheme for on-farm investment to support a number of specific categories of farmers focussed on supporting productive investment.
“The Schemes will provide practical support for farmers. Grant aid will be available at a standard rate of 40 % for investment in sow housing and hen houses which will meet the relevant EU Directives on animal welfare.
“The funds will help with the conversion of loose housing for sows and the conversion to enriched cages, free range or barn systems for poultry producers.
“Both schemes are now open for applications and will remain open until the end of June 2011 for poultry producers and end of June 2012 for sow house investment.
“Work should not be started by farmers until written approval to commence such work has been issued by the Department.
“Full details of both schemes and their terms and conditions are available on the Department’s website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.
“Obviously it is important that farmers comply with animal welfare regulations, but it is equally important that the Government provide practical support for them to do so. I am confident that this funding will assist eligible farmers and I would encourage people to investigate their eligibility under the Schemes,” concluded Niall Blaney TD.
