Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As an active beef farmer I am very conscious that 2018, in particular, was a difficult year for the beef sector due to unprecedented weather events which resulted in increased input costs owing to fodder shortages. I am deeply committed to fully supporting and developing the beef sector. One of the unique strengths of the agrifood sector has been the shared vision for its sustainable development in Food Wise 2025. It is crucial that we all continue to work together. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, has utilised the beef round table to highlight the need for stakeholders to recognise their inter-dependency and support the sector through an examination of mechanisms to add value along the supply chain and increase the strength of all links, including beef producer organisations. My Department is engaging extensively with stakeholders in beef producer organisations which have strong potential to strengthen the position of the primary producer in the supply chain. I firmly believe producer organisations have the potential to play a very important role in this area. My Department is continuing in its efforts to drive the potential of the scheme through engagement with an array of stakeholders across fora. It has rolled out a range of schemes as part of the €4 billion Rural Development Programme for the period 2014 to 2020.

The beef data and genomics programme, BDGP, is the main support specifically targeted at the suckler cow sector which will provide beef farmers with €300 million in funding during the current rural development programme period. The scheme is an agri-environmental measure to improve the environmental sustainability of the national suckler cow herd by increasing genetic merit within it. In addition to the BDGP, other supports available to suckler cow and sheep farmers under pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, include the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS; the areas of natural constraint, ANCs, and knowledge transfer groups. Suckler cow farmers also benefit from the basic payment scheme, BPS, and greening payments under pillar 1.

The national farm survey data suggest suckler cow farmers receive support equivalent to approximately €500 per suckler cow on average. It is also envisaged that suckler cow farmers will be the primary beneficiaries of the €23 million increase in ANC payments, in addition to the €20 million available under the beef environmental efficiency pilot scheme being announced by the Minister, which is why he has had to send his apologies to the House. The scheme is targeted at suckler cow farmers and specifically aimed at further improving the carbon efficiency of beef production. The Department is examining all appropriate measures to support the different sectors, including the suckler cow sector, in preparation for the next iteration of the CAP. We are committed to ensuring suckler cow farmers will continue to receive strong support under the next CAP. Such payments should support and encourage suckler cow farmers to make the best decisions possible to improve the profitability and the economic and environmental efficiency of their farming systems.

The development of markets for Irish beef was a particular priority for many of the trade missions in 2017 and 2018. The opening last year of the Chinese market to Irish beef marked the culmination of significant work over a period of years. The Department continues to prioritise efforts to gain market access to new third country markets and, equally as important, deepen existing markets for Irish beef products. I am deeply committed to ensuring suckler cow farmers will continue to receive strong support under the next CAP. My view is that such payments should support and encourage suckler cow farmers to make the best decisions possible to improve the profitability and environmental efficiency of their farming systems.