Leitrim farmers set to receive over a million under suckler carbon efficiency programme

Leitrim farmers are set to begin receiving more than €1.27 million in payments as year three of the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) begins to roll out nationwide.

A total of 560 Leitrim farmers will benefit from €1,279,181.94 in funding, with payments expected to arrive in bank accounts in the coming days.

The scheme, now in its third year under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027, aims to improve genetic merit, herd efficiency and environmental sustainability across the national suckler herd, which are particularly important to the predominantly family-run farms of the West and Northwest.

Across the Northwest, €4.6 million will be distributed to farm families. This includes €1,566,426.40 for 629 farmers in Sligo and €1,758,775.75 for 752 farmers in Donegal. Nationally, €47.06 million is being issued to 14,983 participating suckler farmers.

Minister Marian Harkin welcomed the announcement, describing the payments as “a very welcome and timely boost for suckler farmers in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal.”

“SCEP is an essential support for farm families in our region,” she said. “This investment strengthens local economies, supports rural communities, and underpins the long-term sustainability of the beef sector in the Northwest.”