The Irish taxpayer will pay out €235 million over the next five years to Irish beef farmers to promote animal welfare in their herds and improve the quality of their animals.
Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan announced details of the new scheme which will see farmers receive an annual payment of €80 for each beef-producing cow they own.
Called the Animal Welfare Recording and Breeding Scheme, the programme will be funded solely by the Irish taxpayer.
The money will go to ensuring farmers follow best practice in relation to the calving of their cows, the dehorning of beasts, castration and weaning calves off their mothers.
The ultimate aim, according to the Minister, is to produce an animal that is healthier and of a higher quality standard which better suits consumer needs and rewards the farmer with a premium price for animals.
"An annual payment of €80 per cow, €82 where the applicant makes the returns online, will apply to suckler cows calving from January 1st, 2008 onwards," Ms Coughlan said in a statement.
"Increased welfare standards will add to the high quality reputation of our beef sector," the Minister added.