The new Superlevy Instalment Scheme is set to ease the cash flow burden on dairy farmers facing a superlevy bill in 2015, according to Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney.

The new scheme is to facilitate staggered payments of the 2015 superlevy bill over the next three years.

“I have secured the agreement of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to pay the full amount of the levy in 2015, on the understanding that the monies will be recouped in instalments from applicants in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

“I am satisfied that this approach will be of significant benefit to all dairy farmers facing a levy in 2015, including those considering expansion,” the Minister said.

The Department said that the scheme will ease the cash flow burden on dairy farmers, who would otherwise have to pay the entire bill in 2015.

It follows the introduction by the European Commission of legislation to allow for such payments to be spread in three annual instalments, without interest, it said.

The two remaining instalments must be paid by the same date in 2016 and 2017 respectively, the Department said.

How to Apply

Milk producers will apply, through their milk purchaser, to participate in this scheme, it said.

According to the Department, application forms and terms and conditions are being distributed to milk purchasers, who will deduct the payment due from the milk payments to farmers in the peak milk production months of May to September each year.

The deadline for farmer applications is June 30 2015.