Letters from the Department of Agriculture to farmers about the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) were sent in error due to an “IT glitch.”
Farmers participating in BEAM have been told to “disregard” the letters in a text message sent out yesterday (Monday). The message said: “Recently issued BEAM update letters contain an error. A revised version will issue this week. Apologies for any confusion.”
Brendan Golden, IFA Livestock chairman said farmers will be issued with new letters containing the correct information.
“The Department has acknowledged that there is an issue with the letters and their officials are working to rectify the problem,” he added.
Each month BEAM participants receive letters from the Department outlining their individual progress to date on achieving their 5pc reduction in the amount of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on their farm.
Farmers have been made aware that they could opt for a delayed 12 month reduction period of 1 January, 2021 to 31 December 31, 2021 for the BEAM scheme.
Around €33,000 Irish beef farmers received €80 million in 2019 under the scheme introduced to help compensate farmers for the drop off in beef prices between September 2018 to May 2019.
LSL News.