Written answers

Wednesday, 11 July 2012

Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food

Irish Cattle Breeding Federation

9:00 pm

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the current remit of Irish Cattle Breeding Federation differs from its original remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33822/12]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the original mission statement and remit of Irish Cattle Breeding Federation when it was first established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33823/12]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.

The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) was established in 1997 as a cooperative and is registered with the Registrar of Friendly Societies. Its shareholders include all stakeholders in the cattle breeding industry such as Pedigree Cattle Herdbooks, AI Organisations, Milk Recording Organisations and farmer representative organisations. ICBF has been approved under EU legislation (Commission Decision 2006/427/EC) by my Department as the designated organisation to carry out performance recording, assessment of genetic value and publication of breeding values for dairy and beef cattle in Ireland.

The mission of the ICBF is 'to achieve the greatest possible genetic improvement in the National cattle herd for the benefit of Irish farmers, and the dairy and beef industries and members by collecting, collating and distributing available information and data of practical and scientific interest, by promoting the exchange of all such information and data amongst breeders of cattle in Ireland.' ICBF has a proven track record of accelerating the genetic gain in the National herd, and thus improving profits for farm families across the country. The unique industry led nature of ICBF has allowed Ireland to develop a world class breeding infrastructure and become a world leader in cattle breeding activities. The current mission of the ICBF is the same as the original one and in implementing its remit ICBF has generated significant benefits to all sectors of the dairy and beef industries.

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