Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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221. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the costs the Exchequer incurs for the sustainable dairy assurance scheme annually. [31940/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme, launched in December 2013, was developed in cooperation with milk producers, processors and the regulatory authorities, including my Department. The Scheme gives the dairy sector the capability to both benchmark Irish milk production internationally and to demonstrate the commitment of Irish dairy farms to sustainable farming practices. The Scheme also allows the sector access to markets and buyers that demand on-farm certification and provide assurance for those customers regarding sustainable production of quality milk.

The scheme is open to all milk producers with a valid herd registration who supply to milk processors in the Republic of Ireland.  The scheme is run by Bord Bia, and as this is an operational matter, should the Deputy require any further information, he should contact Bord Bia directly at the agreed Oireachtas contact address: info@bordbia.ie.