Written answers
Tuesday, 16 January 2018
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Beef Data and Genomics Programme
Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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1178. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons that participated in the beef data and genomics programme in each year since its inception; the number of persons that withdrew each year; the financial drawdown each year; the amount spent on the scheme since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1060/18]
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The suckler sector is a vital component of Ireland's rural economy and the provision of support for the suckler sector is critically important. The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is the current primary support for the Irish suckler sector and makes provision for some €300 million of funding over the next six years to beef farmers.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme provides for six years of payments to farmers for completion of actions which deliver accelerated genetic improvement in the Irish national herd and improvement of its environmental sustainability.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme was announced in May 2015 and 29,890 participants initially applied. A second tranche of BDGP launched in April 2017 and 1,896 applications were received. The number of herds paid and withdrawals per year in the Programme are set out in the following table. Payments for the 2017 Programme year will continue as herds achieve compliance.
| Year | - | Herds eligible for payment | Withdrawals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | BDGP 2015 - 2020 | 24,137 | 3,247 |
| 2016 | BDGP 2015 - 2020 | 22,858 | 1,933 |
| 2017 | BDGP 2015 - 2020 | 20,837 | 248 |
| 2017 | BDGP 2017 - 2022 | 458 | 146 |
| Total | 5,574 |
| Year | - | Payments made |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | BDGP farmer payments | €29,095,680.02 |
| 2016 | BDGP farmer payments | €50,880,805.77 |
| Training | €6,237,481.00 | |
| Carbon Navigator | €2,520,320.00 | |
| 2017 | BDGP farmer payments | €44,655,801.05 |
| Training | €232,394.00 | |
| Carbon Navigator | €1,379,980.00 | |
| Total | €135,002,461.84 |
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