Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2016
210. 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 scheme; 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. [5275/16]
View answerA total of 29,865 applicants were accepted into the Beef Data and Genomics Programme, of which 4,278 have now withdrawn. Approximately 1,488 herds have not, as yet, returned their genomic samples.
There is also evidence of interest in joining the scheme from farmers who missed the application deadline. I am keeping the question of reopening the scheme under review having regard to the budgetary availability and other demands under the Rural Development Programme.
