Poots announces further £1.6M Covid-19 support scheme for pig producers

A new Covid-19 support scheme worth £1.6million, for pig farmers who were affected by the impact of the pandemic on international pigment markets from the spring of last year, has been announced by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA.

Applications to the Scheme can now be made through the DAERA website and must be submitted by 12 August 2021.

Announcing the support scheme for pig farmers, Minister Poots said: “I am pleased that my Department has been able to once again secure £1.6million in support for those pig producers who have seen a significant fall in the price they received for cull sows from May 2020. I am hopeful that this funding will help, and the 185 eligible pig producers will submit an application to offset their loss.

“I met with stakeholders including the Ulster Farmers Union and I am grateful to them for their input and providing evidence of verifiable losses that supported the successful development of these schemes,” Minister Poots added.

“Those who are eligible for the Scheme have received a letter inviting them to apply, and I would encourage them to so before the closing date of 12 August 2021.”

He added: “Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic over £23.5million has already been paid out by DAERA to local farm businesses impacted and this financial support has been very helpful in these difficult times.”

Pig producers can complete the application form available on DAERA Online Services from 28 July 2021

Explanatory information and guidance has also been published on the DAERA website http://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/Coronavirus-Income-Support-Scheme

Notes to editors: 

1. Eligible farm businesses can access their application form from 28 July 2021 through DAERA Online Services at:https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/daera-online-services
2. A letter has been issued to eligible pig producer businesses in week commencing 26 July 2021. Only businesses which are considered eligible for the Pig Producer support scheme will have the option to complete this application.
3. Follow DAERA on Twitter and Facebook: https://twitter.com/daera_ni and www.facebook.com/daerani.gov.uk
4. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office at:  pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk
5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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