P. J. Sheehan
Question:77 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans he has to improve the quality and breeding strain of the beef industry. [13974/01]
Written Answers - Beef Industry.
Cattle breed improvement activities in Ireland have now been centralised under the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, ICBF, which incorporates the functions formerly carried out by my Department, AI organisations, milk recording and breed societies. ICBF was set up on an interim basis in 1997 with the support of funding and other forms of assistance from my Department. A permanent structure for the organisation and of the co-operative was established in July of last year.
Since its inception, ICBF has placed a high priority on genetic improvement of the national beef herd. A comprehensive study of breeding objectives and schemes was completed in 1998. Plans for the future of beef cattle breeding were announced in November of last year following widespread consultation with the industry. These plans provide for an enhanced system of performance recording and genetic evaluations in co-operation with its member organisations. Information from a number of sources will be combined through the ICBF database. There are also plans for increased international co-operation in beef cattle breeding to provide the best possible information for Irish herdowners.
Further to the efforts of ICBF, Teagasc has intensified its efforts to promote the development of quality breeding by producers. Last year, a series of Teagasc road shows provided clear guidance for producers on heifer replacement strategies essential for the production of quality beef. This was further emphasised at the Teagasc exhibition at last year's ploughing championship.
In addition to genetic improvement, the quality of Irish beef cattle can be upgraded through better feeding, husbandry and general farm management practices. These can all be encouraged through an effective graded pricing system at meat factory level. Some progress is being made in this regard but I would like to see more effective differentials introduced.