The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is urging all farmers who have not yet opted in to the Beef Carbon Reduction (BCR) Scheme to do so before the deadline, 31 December 2024, to ensure payment for eligible animals slaughtered in 2024.
UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy said, “It is vital that all farm businesses who have not yet opted into the BCR scheme, do as soon as possible, as failure to opt in by Tuesday 31 December will result in eligible farmers missing out on a £75 payment per animal. Currently, over 1,000 farm businesses in NI who are eligible for the scheme, have not opted in and due do the timescale, the UFU request that DAERA contact all eligible farmers. The Department has stated that if a farm business opts in and does not meet the eligibility conditions or have any eligible animals in that scheme year, no penalties will apply. Farmers that also sold eligible cattle through a livestock mart but kept the cattle for 60 days during the 100 days immediately prior to slaughter should also opt in as they may be eligible for payment on these animals.”
DAERA introduced the BCR scheme in January to encourage farm businesses to reduce the slaughter age of clean finished beef cattle and improve overall efficiency while supporting the industry to meet legislative targets.
“The BCR scheme works on scheme years, with one payment per scheme year. Each scheme year will run from 1 January to 31 December. Payment rate is £75 per animal and the 2024 year is 30 months and under. The BCR scheme will reduce to 28 months and under from 1 January 2025. DAERA also recently introduced a new system update to the BCR portal to help farmers keep track of their animal data and to view the status of their cattle to confirm if the slaughtered animal will be eligible for payment. The system also allows farmers and authorised persons to check if live cattle are approaching the maximum age of slaughter in that scheme year.
“With over 1,000 eligible farmers yet to opt in, this is a significant opportunity for the beef sector to secure vital financial support. The scheme is designed to make opting in easy, with no penalties for those who do not meet eligibility conditions or have no qualifying animals. Farmers should view this as an investment in their business and a practical step to increase profitability. Time is of the essence, and we urge every eligible farmer to act now and secure this payment, which could make a meaningful difference to their bottom line,” said the UFU deputy president.
To opt in to the BCR scheme and check if you are eligible, visit the DAERA website: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/how-do-i-opt-bcr.
