Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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236. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of producer organisations in the beef sector that have registered with his Department; and the name of each such organisation. [12477/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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To date, my Department has not received any formal applications for the establishment of beef Producer Organisations. However, a number of interested groups have been in contact with my Department about their potential and officials from my Department have had very positive engagement with key stakeholders across the beef sector on this issue over recent months.

My Department has consulted with stakeholders in relation to potential barriers to take-up and is currently examining options in relation to the feedback received.

I would urge any other interested groups to engage with my Department as soon as possible to explore the potential of producer organisations.