Northern Ireland agriculture minister Michelle McIlveen has announced a £4million package of support for local livestock farmers.
The funding is expected to give livestock farmers and milk producers help in destroying BVD infected calves, improve pig meat quality and receive business training.
Miss McIlveen said she was 'acutely aware' of the extreme difficulties faced by many livestock farmers in Northern Ireland.
"I am encouraged that dairy farmers have already had the opportunity to bid for EU aid to reduce their milk production, where that suited their particular business circumstances. Those farmers should receive a much-needed cash injection in the new year.
"However, I want to be able to do more for all livestock farmers affected by the recent market turbulence and to help build a stronger, more sustainable and competitive industry for the future. That is why I pressed for a favourable share of the UK Exceptional Adjustment Aid envelope and why I have decided to use our £4million allocation to fund measures that will support all eligible livestock sectors here, including milk producers."
The UK allocation of aid is €30.2million (around £26.6million), of which Northern Ireland will receive €4.8million (around £4.07million).
The minister said: "In the meantime, I urge all dairy and beef farmers to continue to tag and test for BVD in line with the legislation and to continue to remove BVD PIs promptly in order to reduce the disease risks."
