Ireland: DAFM issues census forms to over 49,000 sheep and goat keepers

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has today (Monday, December 18) begun issuing annual sheep and goat census forms to over 49,000 registered farmers. In keeping with previous years, the department has selected Sunday, December 31 as the 2023 census date. The department is reminding farmers that completion and return of the census form is a legal obligation. The census data must also be recorded on a farmer’s flock register. The department said that failure to return a completed form on time could impact on eligibility for certain DAFM schemes. If farmers prefer the option of a postal return, the completed forms must arrive at the address printed on the envelope provided with the census form no later than January 31, 2024. It is not permitted to submit forms by post through any office of the department. Farmers were reminded that, in the case of dispute regarding postal returns, the only acceptable proof of postage is a registered post receipt. ...