Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

530. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the beef suckler herd remains adequate to meet the demands of future markets; if any particular needs have arisen in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6866/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While suckler cow numbers have remained relatively stable since payments were decoupled from production in January 2005, my Department monitors the composition and strength of the national herd on an ongoing basis. The most recent results published by the CSO show a marginal increase in the numerical strength of the herd in 2013 relative to 2012 as high cattle prices encouraged beef producers to restock their herds.

Government investment in the beef sector is aimed at improving the economic and environmental sustainability of the beef herd.

Recognising the importance of maintaining confidence in the sector, I recently announced the operational details of an investment package worth up to €40m to beef farmers in 2014. This package includes:

- €23m for the Beef Genomics Scheme;

- €10m for the Beef Data Programme;

- €5m for the Beef Technology Adoption Programme; &

- €2m in residual payments under the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme.

The Genomics Scheme is a particularly important innovation that utilises cutting-edge science developed by the Teagasc research facility at Moorepark in collaboration with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF). The use of genomics in dairy animals has helped transform cattle breeding in that sector as well as delivering tangible gains for efficient farmers. Introducing this technology for the suckler sector will help to improve the genetic quality of the national beef herd and to increase productivity and profitability at farm level.

The scheme will provide a payment of €40 per calf to participants in return for genotyping a selection of their animals specified by ICBF. Genomic selection involves taking an animal’s DNA sample and sending it to a laboratory to assess its performance traits. Farmers can use this information predicting the genetic merit of their stock to inform their breeding and selection decisions. Application forms for the scheme will issue to farmers over the coming weeks.

The Government’s investment is a strong vote of confidence in the suckler beef sector. It exemplifies the smart, green growth initiatives envisioned in the 2020 strategy and, coupled with additional support measures under the new Rural Development Programme, will underpin the development of a sustainable beef sector with long-term growth potential.

It should be recognised too that an expanding dairy herd will have a positive impact on the supply of beef and emerging technologies such as sexed semen may also prove beneficial. Of course, the suckler herd will remain a critical seedbed for a quality Irish beef offering.