Suckler premium to rise
Suckler premium to rise
ADVANCE payments for this years suckler cow premium are expected to be increased by beef market managers in Brussels today (Friday) in an attempt to ease pressure on EU beef producers.
Normally, these advances are made at 60% of the full amount, with the balancing payment in the following year.
But, after concerted industry lobbying, the commission is poised to increase this to 80%. That will take the first payment to about £87/head, after allowing for the 2.5% deduction for modulation.
Even though the increase in the advance will be "at member state discretion", it is anticipated that the UK will take advantage of this option, with cheques likely in early November.
"This is welcome news for beef producers, especially those in areas where they have only been able to make a few of their normal marketings due to foot-and-mouth," said Meat and Livestock Commission senior economist Duncan Sinclair.
lMembers of the European Parliaments agriculture committee have voted for a substantial rise in the new flat rate ewe premium, due to come into effect next year.
The committees proposal is for a k21 (£13) a head payment, with a k7 (£4.40) a head top-up in the LFAs. But the MEPs are calling for k30 (£19) a head, with an extra k9 (£5.60) a head for the LFAs.
Those figures are likely to be endorsed by the full parliament on Oct 25 and will put pressure on ministers to come up with a comparable subsidy when they finalise the reform in late November. *