Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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68. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the purpose of Bord Bia assurance under the new suckler scheme for farmers that do not produce animals for slaughter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60287/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Membership of the Bord Bia Sustainable Beef Quality Assurance Scheme is an eligibility condition of the new Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme as part of Ireland's draft CAP strategic plan. The full details of the draft CAP strategic plan are available on the Department's website.

The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme is an environmental scheme and a core metric underpinning it is the measurement and tracking of the carbon footprint for each participant farm. The scheme will see participants receive €150/cow on the first 10 cows compared with €90/cow on the first 10 cows under the outgoing BDGP.

The sustainability survey in the SBLAS audit provides a carbon footprint using an established model. It is imperative that the scheme includes strong and measurable environmental actions which will further drive the environmental efficiency of suckler beef farming, as well as contributing to the sector's efficiency and competitiveness and supporting farm incomes.

The Deputy will be aware that the costs associated with SBLAS audits are funded directly by my Department rather than by the participating beef and sheep farmers.