{"id":1273955,"date":"2024-04-11T13:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-11T12:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.agriland.ie\/?p=1273955"},"modified":"2024-04-11T13:26:05","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T12:26:05","slug":"ni-beef-carbon-reduction-scheme-system-to-open-monday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lightsail.agriland.ie\/farming-news\/ni-beef-carbon-reduction-scheme-system-to-open-monday\/","title":{"rendered":"NI Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme system to open Monday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An online system allowing farmers in Northern Ireland to opt-in to the Beef Carbon Reduction (BCR) Scheme will open next Monday (April 15).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The BCR scheme, which was introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) at the start of the year, is a new payment support scheme for beef farmers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It encourages farm businesses to reduce the slaughter age of clean finished beef cattle to improve the efficiency of the local beef sector and reduce livestock greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The scheme is being implemented initially over a four-year period and will incentivise a progressive reduction in the age at slaughter each year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Payments of \u00a320, \u00a340 and \u00a360 will be made for eligible animals slaughtered in January, February and March of this year respectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From April 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027 the scheme will provide the farmer with funding of \u00a375 for each eligible animal slaughtered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Andrew<\/a>
Andrew Muir. Image source: DAERA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Northern Ireland\u2019s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir announced the launch of the opt-in system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This is the opening of a major scheme under the new Farm Support and Development Programme and marks a significant milestone as we work towards supporting our farming sector to improve productivity whilst enhancing environmental sustainability in Northern Ireland,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThis innovative approach signals a shift in how we deliver support to decarbonise and protect our environment, thereby contributing to meeting the targets set by the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

“I would encourage farmers to engage with the Department on how best to adapt their on-farm practices to meet the targets set for the Scheme and contribute to a more environmentally sustainable and productive sector,” the minister added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opt-in<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eligible farm businesses must opt-in to the scheme to receive payment and can do so from April 15, 2024 via the DAERA website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A farmers only needs to opt-in once for BCR from 2024. If the farmer has opted-in they will receive a BCR payment each year thereafter provided they meet the eligibility conditions in that year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Businesses must be eligible to claim Basic Payment Scheme in 2024, or its replacement, from 2025 onwards to avail of the BCR Scheme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If farm businesses opt-in and do not have any eligible animals in that scheme year, no penalties will apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is currently hosting a series of information meetings<\/a> for farmers on the BCR scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n