BOOST for more Welsh BEEF BREEDERS

- Published: 03 November, 2006

Beef Farmers will immediately benefit from a new fund set up to help them buy high performance bulls and boost the quality of their herds.

The new funding has been made available by the Welsh Assembly Government to enable farmers outside objective one to join the recently-launched Objective One backed Welsh Beef Quality Improvement Scheme, a fund that matches cash spent on top quality bulls to the tune of 40% of the cost of the animal.

Under the plan, which is being delivered by Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), farmers will be able to apply for financial assistance for a number of measures, including bull purchase and performance recording. As an example, each eligible farmer could receive cash backing of £40 in every £100 for one quality bull, up to a ceiling purchase price of £6,250.

"The Welsh Assembly Government is keen to see this scheme's influence widen," said Prys Morgan, HCC's industry development manager. "Regulations stipulate the areas outside of the Objective One rated area for European funding support but this area has so many important players in our industry that the Welsh Assembly Government and HCC felt they must be enabled to play a leading part and help underpin the quality development of our industry."

For further inforamtion about the funding contact HCC on 01970 625050.