§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria are used to award suckler cow quota to(a) new entrants to suckler production, (b) existing producers wanting extra quota and (c) dairy farmers seeking to convert to suckler production; and what rules exist regarding minimum and maximum amounts which may be awarded.[81373]
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§ Mr. RookerProducers who meet strictly defined criteria may apply to the appropriate category of the Suckler Cow Quota national reserve for a quota allocation. Some of the categories cover new entrants and other existing producers wanting extra quota. There is no category which specifically covers dairy fanners seeking to convert to suckler production, although such producers may qualify under a category for first-time claimants. In addition, both new and existing producers are free to buy or lease quota from other producers.
The maximum amount of quota which may be allocated varies depending on the category applied to, the circumstances of the applicant and the availability of quota in the reserve. There are no rules governing the minimum amounts which may be allocated to a producer, but it is not possible to allocate less than 0.1 of a quota.
Further information is contained in the documents "Explanatory Guide to Suckler Cow Premium Scheme Quotas" and "Application for Quota from the National Reserve" which have been placed in the Libraries of the House.