Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 January 2019
223. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers awaiting 2018 beef data and genomics programme payments; the amount to be paid to farmers under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4624/19]
View answerThe Beef Data and Genomics Programme provides for six-year payments to farmers for completion of actions which deliver accelerated genetic improvement in the Irish national herd and improvement of its environmental sustainability.
Payments under the 2018 Programme year for both BDGP I and BDGP II commenced in December 2018 and as of today a total of 22,229 active participants have received payments of some €39.9m.
Up to 2,314 remaining participants may be paid over the coming weeks once compliance is achieved with the requirements of the Programme. My Department cannot determine the final total amount at this stage because some farmers who do not complete all the actions for the year will not get full payment. Further pay runs are being made to pay more farmers as they become eligible for payment.
