Beef Data and Genomics Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Questions (369)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

369. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who applied to join the beef data and genomics programme; the number of these who have informed his Department that they wish to leave the programme; the number of farmers of the remainder who have failed to furnish any genomic testing results to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1012/16]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

A total of 29,865 applicants were accepted into the Beef Data and Genomics Programme, of which 3,200 applicants have now withdrawn.

Approximately 4,300 applicants have not, as yet, returned their genomic samples. My Department will be making contact with these herdowners in the coming weeks to remind them to submit samples to facilitate payment.