Eligibility Criteria
The scheme will provide a payment for pigs born and reared in Northern Ireland and marketed through a Northern Ireland processing plant during the reference period (1 April 2022 – 30 June 2022). Marketed pigs are defined as those slaughtered including totally condemned, dead on arrival and under/overweight at the three abattoirs (Cranswick Country Foods, Karro Food Group Limited and William Grant & Co Ltd).
Support Payment
Scheme payments will be calculated on the number of pigs born and reared in Northern Ireland and marketed by producers through a Northern Ireland processing plant from 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022. Payment will be £6.10 per pig with a maximum payment of £54,000 per farm Business ID.
DAERA has calculated the number of pigs born and reared in NI that were marketed through a NI processing plant during the scheme period using information retrieved from APHIS (Animal and Public Health Information System) and data provided by the abattoirs. Those businesses eligible for a payment have been identified and DAERA has written to them directly with advice on how to apply.
What should I do now?
The Exceptional Costs Pig Scheme opens at 9am on Tuesday 7 February 2023 and closes at 11:59pm on Tuesday 21 February 2023.
Eligible farm businesses must submit a simple online application here.
Eligible businesses will need a Government Gateway or NI Direct Account to complete the online application.
How to Get Help
If you need any help or advice please telephone us on 0300 200 7848 and ask for ‘Exceptional Costs Pig Scheme’ Or e-mail us: DAERADirect.omagh@daera-ni.gov.uk
Questions and Answers
Further information on this scheme is available here.