Bovine Disease Controls

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Questions (895)

Michael Creed

Question:

895. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the stated objective of his Department in supporting artisan food producers, if he will cover the cost of additional TB and brucellosis testing imposed on farmers who sell small volumes of raw milk to cheese manufacturers as in many instances the small volumes of milk involved and the cost of the current regime of testing makes it financially impracticable for farmers to continue to supply such artisan food producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13777/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Suppliers of milk for the production of pasteurised product are required to undergo an annual combined TB and brucellosis test. Herds supplying raw cows’ milk for the production of raw milk product on the other hand are required to undergo two tests per year, to be carried out at six monthly intervals. This testing regime has been in place for a number of years. It is important to note that my Department will pay for additional testing which is over and above the normal level of testing required under the TB and Brucellosis Schemes.