Entry closed in 2023; it's for farmers already in the programme, which runs with the CAP plan. The rules are strict: missing a requirement, such as the training course, meant removal and repayment.
Quick facts
- First 15 hectares
- €225 a hectare
- After 15 hectares
- €180 a hectare
- Maximum area
- Reference number ÷ 1.5
- Beef breed calving
- At least 50% of reference number
- Quality assurance
- SBLAS membership
- Entry
- Closed (2023)
What it pays
A "payment of €225 for the first 15 hectares and €180 for the remaining hectares up to the maximum payable area will be made".
Your reference number is the average of your best 3 years of eligible suckler cows from 2016 to 2021. "This reference number will be divided by 1.5 to give a maximum payable area (MPA)." "For example, a farmer with a reference number of 10 will have an MPA of 6.66 hectares".
The rules
You must "be a member of SBLAS before 16th October 2023 and have continued participation for the duration of the programme", and "calve at least 50% beef breed animals of the yearly reference number between scheme year 01 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 and every scheme year thereafter".
You need enough eligible forage land on your BISS to match the maximum area. "If the determined eligible forage area is less than the MPA but 80% or above, the payment will be based on this eligible forage area".
The five actions
"Action 1 - Eligible Bull/Eligible AI Action 2 - Female Replacement Strategy Action 3 - Genotyping Action 4 - Weighing and Submission of Weights to ICBF Action 5 - Calving Details and Surveys". Queries: scep@agriculture.gov.ie, 057 867 4422.
Common questions
How much does SCEP pay per hectare?
€225 a hectare for the first 15 hectares and €180 a hectare for the rest, up to your maximum payable area.
How is the SCEP maximum payable area worked out?
Your reference number of suckler cows, averaged from your best 3 years of 2016 to 2021, divided by 1.5.
Can I still join SCEP?
Applications closed in May 2023; the programme continues for participants.
What are the SCEP actions?
Eligible bull or AI, a female replacement strategy, genotyping, weighing with ICBF, and calving details and surveys.