|
|
Compo scheme for lost potato crop 05.02.10
INISHOWEN'S potato and
vegetable farmers may be able to avail of a new
Government compensation scheme if their crops were
damaged by the severe frost last month, according to
Deputy Niall Blaney.
The limited scheme, available from next Monday, will
be confined to actual losses and will be conditional
on more than 30% of the crop having been destroyed.
Growers who wish to be considered for the financial
assistance will be required to complete a ‘Crop
Damage Assessment Form’. Eligibility for assistance
will be determined by an analysis on a case-by-case
basis of the information provided. |
“I am happy that the
Government is in a position to offer this type of
scheme for farmers, despite the current restrictions
on the public finances," said Deputy Blaney.
"I have been in touch with a lot of farmers in
Donegal over the last number of weeks who have
explained to me the losses they have experienced as
a result of the bad weather and there is no doubt
that it has been devastating for |
 |
some.”
Deputy Blaney recently met Agriculture Minister
Brendan Smith and urged him to consider making
provision for a compensation scheme.
“I would encourage any potato or vegetable farmers
in Donegal to look into the scheme and to apply for
the compensation being offered if they feel they may
be eligible.
“It’s important that anyone who is interested, makes
sure they get the paperwork together quickly as the
window for submitting the necessary form is February
16,” Deputy Blaney added.
Growers wishing to submit information can obtain the
Crop Damage Assessment Form from Monday, February 8,
2010 on the Department of Agriculture’s website
www.agriculture.gov.ie . They can also write to
the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food,
Single Payment Unit,
Government Buildings, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise,
Co Laois. The lo-call telephone number is 1890
252118. |
|
