Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018
1183. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of animals and average herd size in the beef data and genomics scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1122/18]
View answerThe suckler sector is a vital component of Ireland's rural economy and the provision of support for the suckler sector is critically important. The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is the current primary support for the Irish suckler sector and makes provision for some €300 million of funding over the next six years to beef farmers.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme provides for six years of payments to farmers for completion of actions which deliver accelerated genetic improvement in the Irish national herd and improvement of its environmental sustainability.
24,923 farmers are currently participating in the Beef Data and Genomics Programme across both tranches (23,395 in I and 1, 528 in II) with a total of 533,446 reference animals (504,272 & 29,174).The average herd size is 21.4 animals.
