Training option for SCEP participants welcomed by ICSA
The ICSA has welcomed the announcement regarding SCEP participants.
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) has welcomed a recent announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, regarding SCEP participants.
Minister McConalogue said in-person training will be provided as an option for such participants.
In welcoming the announcement, the ISCA Suckler Chairperson, Jimmy Cosgrave, said it was a measure that his organisation was looking for.
“This is something that ICSA looked for and I am pleased that the Minister has seen the merit in our argument,” said Mr Cosgrave.
“The decision will come as a great relief to many farmers who faced considerable challenges with the online training, for a variety of reasons,” he added.
Mr Cosgrave then made reference to the in-person option for training which he said would benefit a certain cohort of people.
He commented that while the option to complete the training online would suit many participants it was vital to include an in-person option to ensure no farmer got left behind.
Outlining some of his concerns on the matter he said some suckler farmers were not in a position to avail of online training.
“A lot of our suckler farmers are older and living in remote areas and would have really struggled with completing the seven required modules,” he said.
“Now, at least, they will have the opportunity to meet with other farmers and complete the training in an environment where they will have all the necessary support,” he added.
Mr Cosgrave then outlined the importance of the scheme both from an economic perspective and with regard to being environmentally aware. He also outlined how it would prove beneficial to suckler farmers.
“The SCEP scheme is an important one in terms of reaching our climate targets and in terms of financially supporting suckler farmers,” said Mr Cosgrave.
“The goal is to get as many farmers as possible through the scheme to secure those benefits and I am pleased common sense has prevailed on this issue,” he added.
