Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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194. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he will take to ensure that a fair price is attained at factories for quality suckler stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8664/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Beef Sector is an important element of the Irish rural economy and I am conscious of the importance that this key sector plays in rural Ireland. To this effect, I recently launched the Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot, a targeted support of €20 million for suckler farmers specifically aimed at further improving the economic and environmental efficiency of beef production. As well as clear environmental and climate benefits, the BEEP will provide farm gate investment at a time of market volatility and uncertainty relating to Brexit. The pilot has been designed to be as straightforward as possible. Applications will be accepted up until this Friday 22 February, and I would urge all eligible farmers to apply.

Additionally, the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is currently the main support specifically targeted for the suckler sector, which provides Irish beef farmers with some €300 million in funding over the current Rural Development Programme (RDP) period. This scheme is an agri-environmental measure to improve the environmental sustainability of the national suckler herd by increasing genetic merit within the herd. Also, it should be noted an additional €23 million was secured for the ANC scheme in 2019, which, effectively restored the Budget to pre-downturn levels.

While, I am aware of the current challenges facing beef farmers, I cannot intervene directly in any commodity price; cattle prices are a matter for the processing industry and the farmers who supply it. Cattle prices are influenced by a variety of factors such as the level of consumer demand, production levels and exchange rate differences. The UK's decision to leave the EU also presents enormous challenges for the entire beef sector.

I am, however, very conscious that the beef sector is currently facing a difficult period. I am deeply committed to fully supporting and developing Ireland’s beef sector. I am strongly of the view that the existing range of supports available to suckler farmers, together with ensuring access to as many markets as possible, both for live animals and beef exports, are appropriate for the continued development of the sector. According to National Farm Survey data, suckler farmers receive support equivalent to approximately €500 per suckler cow on average.

One of the unique strengths of the agri-food sector has been the shared vision for the sustainable development of the sector in Food Wise 2025. It is crucial that we all continue to work together. At the last Beef Round table, I highlighted the need for stakeholders to recognise their inter-dependency and to support the sector through examination of mechanisms to add value along the supply chain and increase the strength of all links in the supply chain, including Beef Producer Organisations.

Officials in my Department are currently engaging extensively with stakeholders in relation to Beef Producer Organisations which have strong potential to help strengthen the position of the primary producer in the supply chain.

Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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195. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to extend the deadline by which beef suckler farmers must apply for the BEEP scheme beyond 22 February 2019 due to lack of awareness among farmers in respect of the scheme; the steps he has taken to ensure there is a sufficient level of awareness among beef suckler farmers regarding the deadline for receipt of applications for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8668/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I recently launched the Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot, a targeted support for suckler farmers specifically aimed at further improving the economic and environmental efficiency of beef production. As well as clear environmental and climate benefits, the BEEP will provide farm gate investment at a time of market volatility and uncertainty relating to Brexit.

I am very conscious that 2018 was a very difficult year for beef farmers, in terms of weather, fodder issues and market volatility. This is the sector most exposed to Brexit, given its reliance on the UK market. The BEEP is designed to provide an injection of investment at a critical time for farmers navigating the challenges ahead, while delivering in real terms on our climate objectives.

The pilot has been designed to be as straightforward as possible and to ensure that the majority of the payment can be retained by the farmer.

The scheme was launched on 30 January with media in attendance. Details of the launch were posted on my Department’s official Twitter account and details of the pilot were subsequently covered online and in print in the Irish Farmers Journal, Farm Ireland, Agriland and the Irish Examiner. The pilot was also the focus of a recent multi-page article in the Irish Farmers Journal. In addition some 25,000 existing Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) participants were notified of the pilot in a newsletter that also contained a BEEP application form.

The development of the programme was the focus of extensive stakeholder engagement with a range of representative bodies. Applications will be accepted up until this Friday 22nd of February and I would urge all eligible farmers to apply.