Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

390. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to change the terms and conditions of the Beef Data and Genomics Scheme, in view of the farmer dissatisfaction in relation to the terms and conditions of the Scheme; if he will extend the closing date for applications of the Scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20126/15]

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

The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) forms part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme and will provide suckler farmers in Ireland with funding of some €300 million over the next 6 years. The BDGP builds on the investment in data recording and genomics in recent years, and will ultimately bring about long-term improvements to the sector by fundamentally improving the genetic quality of the beef herd.

The BDGP was launched on 5 May and to date my Department has received in almost 13,000 applications. The scheme will close to applications on 29 May so as to begin implementing the various elements of the Programme and to ensure payments to farmers commence later this year. The BDGP builds on the schemes operated by my Department in recent years and all of the actions will already be familiar to most farmers entering the scheme, including the data recording elements and the genotyping requirements.

I am aware of concerns expressed by some farmers, a number of which are fuelled by a misunderstanding of the programme's terms and conditions in this regard. Both my Department and the ICBF have published Questions and Answers documents to address queries being raised by farmers. I also issued some updated information on the contents of the scheme last week, particularly as regards the 6-year requirement and the penalties which apply under the scheme. In addition, farmers can consult the Department’s website for more information and I would encourage them to contact the Department’s helpline if they have any further questions.

I have, of course, already indicated that the programme will be subject to a mid-term review. I will monitor its operation in the meantime and make appropriate adjustments where possible in consultation with the commission in a manner consistent with the regulations.