Dairy farmers are being urged to act now to take advantage of a newly launched EU support fund.
The Milk Production Reduction Scheme is designed to help those who will be producing less milk in the last quarter of this year than the same period in 2015.
Successful applicants will receive 14 eurocents per litre, which subject to exchange rates equates to approximately 12 pence per litre. So for those whose output will be 100,000 litres down against 2015, they could claim approximately £12,000.
Adrian Matthews, of Savills Food & Farming, said: “At this stage the exact application process is unclear but if you suspect your herd performance may make you eligible for support funding then you need to act now.
“Your herd performance may have been affected by disease or herd health; or you may have deliberately downsized due to the low milk prices received; in any event it is worth a look.”
The first window for application will open shortly and close on September 21st 2016.
Adrian adds: “Other application windows will be available but ‘when it’s gone it’s gone’; the money will be paid out on a first come first served basis.”
• If you believe your milk deliveries in October, November and December 2016 will be lower than the same months in 2015 then you can claim the support
• You will need evidence of deliveries in 2015 (copies of milk statements)
• You will need a forecast for 2016
• Or, you will have to provide evidence of 2016 milk volumes by mid January 2017
For more information and help with the application process, contact Savills Food & Farming.
