No Plans to change 7 month Retention Rule for ANC Payment

There are no plans to change the 7 month calendar retention rule for Area of Natural Constraint payments in 2020 despite the Covid restrictions.

Having raised the matte with the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed I highlighted that a change to the 7 month rule would have two impacts that would not be helpful to Irish farming.

Firstly, it would distort the market as those who are selling cattle at this time would see their market collapse in the short term as there is an expectation of a need to sell.

Secondly, more farmers, not presently in receipt of payments could become eligible for the ANC scheme meaning reduced payments for others.

While all transactions have two main parties involved – buyers and sellers – the Minister has informed me that there will be no change to the 7 month rule.