Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 October 2015
102. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the implementation of the beef data and genomics scheme, given the numbers exiting the scheme and the serious concerns expressed to his officials at Elphin mart recently (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35147/15]
View answerThe closing date for the Beef Data & Genomics Programme was 5 June 2015 at which point 29,531 valid applications were received for the programme. 1,519 applicants have subsequently withdrawn from the Programme, a figure which amounts to 5% of all valid applications. This withdrawal rate is in line with previous Suckler Schemes run by my Department. Indeed in recent weeks the Department has been receiving a significant number of calls from applicants looking to join the scheme. The focus has now turned to implementation of the scheme which is well underway and my Department and the ICBF are working closely with scheme participants on the various requirements. This is progressing well with over 255,000 tissue tags sent to scheme applicants to date. This leaves only 70,000 more to be sent out and the ICBF expect that these will be in the post within the next two weeks. Over 70,000 samples have been sent back for genomic testing, which covers over 7,000 herds. This is a very positive start to the BDGP as it means that already 25% of participants have completed their genotyping requirement in the BDGP. A reminder letter will issue to farmers who have not yet sent back their samples by the end of next week. The online facility for recording animal survey data is now open and around 5,500 farmers have used this method to complete their surveys with this number expected to rise.
My Department and the ICBF are working closely with the scheme participants on the various requirements. I have asked Department officials, in conjunction with the ICBF and Teagasc, to hold information meetings for scheme participants and twelve of these are being organised nationwide. These meetings will enable participating farmers to have one to one consultations with Department, ICBF and Teagasc staff in order to query any aspect of the Programme and look at their own personal circumstances with regards to the requirements they will have to fulfil to ensure full compliance.
I have committed to a mid-term review of the operation of the programme, which will include input from all of the stakeholders, including farm organisations. For now, I would like to assure the nearly 30,000 farmers in the scheme of continued support over its lifetime from my Department, Teagasc and ICBF so that they may derive maximum benefit from the scheme for their farm.
