Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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804. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an additional period was provided for farmers who failed to meet the 50% female replacement criteria in the Beef Data and Genomics Programme, BDGP, scheme by the 31 October deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34699/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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A key requirement of the Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP) I is that participants must ensure that by 31st October 2020 at least 50% of their reference animals are genotyped heifers/eligible suckler cows and rated 4/5 stars on the replacement index. Under BDGP II, which commenced in 2017, the female replacement requirement is 20% of their reference animals by 31st October 2020. This requirement was clearly set out in the terms and conditions of the BDGP at the outset of the six year programme and was also included in the mandatory training module that each participant was required to attend at the start of the Programme.

Since 2017, ICBF have posted #regular “BDGP Eligibility” reports to participants after each genomic evaluation run to give herd owners an up to date picture of where their herds stood in relation to programme targets. Since 2019, the evaluation reports have issued every two months. Therefore, participants could track their progress in meeting their targets over the six years of the programme.

Further supports have been put in place more recently in order to assist participants in meeting this requirement. These included targeted letters and direct phone calls from ICBF to individual participants to offer advice on the best course of action. A ‘Mart Tracker’ app was made available by ICBF which allowed farmers see the numbers of genotyped 4/5 star females being traded through marts every day. ICBF, in conjunction with the Department and ICOS, assisted marts to arrange special sales of genotyped 4/5 star females. Herds with surplus females and herds that needed to purchase these animals were notified of these sales. Consultation with agricultural consultants and advisors by Department has also been on-going.

It has also been agreed that heifers in participants' herds on 31st October which qualify as 4/5 star in the upcoming November evaluations can be considered for eligibility.

The female replacement requirement in is a core element of compliance with the terms and conditions of the programme and delivery is essential in order to underpin payment. Accordingly, my Department has not amended the deadline in relation to this element of the scheme.