Major Information Meetings on Premia Payments
Issued 11th February 2002
The Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and Teagasc are running a series of 55 special information meetings on EU premia payments, starting on Monday, 18 February.
The meetings are aimed at giving farmers the full story on changes in livestock premia, extensification and arable aid payments in 2002.
Tom Kirley, Head of Advisory Services with Teagasc said that significant changes are taking place in premia payments in 2002. There are also new rules on scheme controls and penalties, which came into effect on 1 January. He said it is vital that all farmers are fully aware of these new rules, in order to minimise the risk of penalties.
Each meeting will be addressed by officials of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. Senior Teagasc advisory staff will also give expert guidance on the maximisation of income through the EU premia system. There will also be an opportunity for farmers to put questions to the expert panel on all aspects of the new premia system.
A new Department booklet which details the new payment systems in 2002 and outlines how the new controls and penalty system will operate is being sent to all farmers. The booklet will be an important guide for all applicants for EU payments.
''The information which will be conveyed at these meetings will have an important bearing on the income of farmers in 2002 and beyond. For this reason, farmers should make a special effort to attend'', said Mr Kirley.
All meetings start at 8.00pm. For the full list of dates and venues, click here.
