Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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281. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of the beef data genomics scheme; if he will ensure that the new scheme is implemented at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3862/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In last year’s budget, I announced a package of approximately €74 million for the beef sector in 2015, including a provision of €52 million for a proposed Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) which will place Ireland at the leading edge globally in the use of genomics in beef production. I have since proposed to increase the amount of money available to farmers within the scheme to €100 a head on the first ten animals. Further animals in the herd will be paid €80 per head.

The proposed BDGP will deliver an accelerated improvement in the environmental sustainability of the beef herd via the application of genomics technology. This will help farmers to manage their enterprises sustainably, cognisant of Ireland’s climate change commitments, and will improve the quality of the national suckler herd. It will also cement our place as one of the most advanced, export focussed beef producing nations in the world.

Subject to the approval of the Rural Development Programme by the EU Commission, farmers will be paid for work carried out in a range of areas related to data recording and animal breeding policies. The actions being considered for the Programme include recording a range of data related to performance criteria and animal events, taking tissue (DNA) samples from selected animals and sending for laboratory testing, completing an on-farm Carbon Navigator, and selecting high quality replacement bulls and heifers over the 6 years of the BDGP contract.

All Rural Development Plans submitted to the European Commission are subject to Commission approval, following a detailed period of analysis and discussion. The Commission has provided observations on the BDGP and my Department has been engaged in intensive discussions to address issues raised and to provide the necessary clarifications. The scheme will be rolled out without delay following approval.