The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue says that a total of 252 applications were received under the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme (PEPS). Of this total 75% have since been processed for payment, McConalogue adds. This follows a parliamentary question posed by independent TD for Laois-Offaly, Deputy Carol Nolan regarding the announced support scheme for the pig sector.
Applications for the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme closed on 20 March 2022, and includes a fund of up to €7 million for commercial pig farmers. It was established in response to the crisis facing the sector.
According to Minister McConalogue, the remaining applications are currently being processed and payments will be issued as they are processed with any outstanding issues rectified. The Minister says that the scheme is an urgent short-term response to assist producers amid “extreme current circumstances”, and to allow space for a more medium-term adjustment to market signals.
The support will be distributed to commercial pig farmers who have produced 200 or more pigs between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 inclusive. The scheme operates under the agriculture de minimis rules which provide for a maximum payment per undertaking of €20,000, according to Minister McConalogue.
Meanwhile Deputy Carol Nolan says “while I appreciate that the minister is bound to some extent by de minimis rules, this only means that creativity, in terms of putting in place less-restrictive supports, is needed now more than ever.” She added that there is a “considerable distance to travel” before the pig sector emerges from the current crisis it is facing.