Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
481. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide details on the specific criteria farmers need to meet in order to join the Bord Bia quality assurance scheme and thereby be eligible for participation in the suckler carbon efficiency programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29370/23]
View answer482. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm the estimated time duration involved in obtaining certification under the Bord Bia quality assurance scheme, from the initial application to the final approval; how long the certification process typically takes for farmers interested in joining the scheme, including those in the SCEP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29371/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 481 and 482 together.
As the Deputy is aware, I introduced a new Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) in March 2023 which is the replacement for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP).
My Department has published the eligibility requirements applicants must meet. Membership of the Bord Bia Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme (SBLAS) is required as the carbon footprint generated following the SBLAS audit will be used to measure changes over the course of the contract. Applicants to SCEP have until October 16th to achieve certification to the SBLAS.
The Bord Bia Sustainable Quality Assurance Scheme is run and operated by Bord Bia. I am advised that applications to join the SBLAS can be made over the phone by contacting the Bord Bia service office on 062 54900. I am further advised that the application process requires the producer to provide their herd number and contact information. Once registered with Bord Bia, the time duration to obtain certification is dependant on the degree of collaboration by the applicant with the auditors.
In terms of agreeing a date for the audit, I am advised that Bord Bia advises that farmers should allow for a period of approximately six weeks following the date of the audit to certification: this is allowing for a 28 day close out period for farmers should any non-compliances be raised during the audit, and then two weeks for the completion of the review and certification process.
New applicants for SBLAS are being prioritised by Bord Bia in terms of audit scheduling, but applicants are encouraged to agree the earliest possible audit date when contacted.
A Helpdesk is available to support farmers through the full SBLAS process and can be contacted on 01 5250410 from 9am until 8pm, Monday to Friday.
