Of this total, 57 'brand new' entrants, who had not previously held quota, will each receive allocations of 200,000 litres. The remaining 35 successful applicants, who had previously purchased quota as either new entrants or successors under the Milk Quota Trading Scheme, will receive allocations totalling a further 4 million litres. The increased numbers of successful applicants is a result of re allocating quota not taken up in the 2009 and 2010 Schemes. The Minister said: "Notwithstanding the challenges currently facing the dairy industry in the form of costs, weather and quota restrictions it is heartening to see the tremendous interest shown by so many in identifying dairy farming as a future career and recognising the opportunities such a career presents. I am delighted to be able to continue supporting, in such a practical way, the efforts being made by so many to embark on such a career. New entrants are vital to the future of the dairy sector, and it is immensely encouraging to see not only a high level of interest in the Scheme, but also the impressively high calibre of the applicants. There is no doubt that this augurs well for the future of the sector".
Summarising the outcome of the Scheme, the Minister explained that a total of 286 applications under three categories (233 'brand new' entrants, 46 'Trading Scheme' and 7 'Successor' applicants) were received by the closing date of 4 May 2012. 249 eligible applications were considered by the independent assessment group, chaired by Dr. Pat Dillon, Teagasc Head of Programme at the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Moorepark, and 92 were selected for quota allocations. All recipients will be required to attend training courses facilitated by Teagasc and to provide financial statements on an annual basis to the Department. The Minister thanked all of those who participated in this year's Scheme, and wished all of the successful applicants well in their future endeavours.
The Minister concluded by reminding all that 2013 will see the last of the New Entrants to Dairying Schemes as provided for under the Health Check agreement.
