Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 December 2023
186. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department can take to address the recent EuroStar evaluation changes affecting suckler farmers which has led to many withdrawing from the SCEP scheme and a significant drop in animal values for breeders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55594/23]
View answerThe Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), the body approved in Ireland in accordance with relevant EU legislation to conduct testing, genetic evaluation and publication of breeding values for dairy and beef cattle have recently updated beef breeding indexes.
This was the first major update since 2015, based predominately on changing economic drivers such as feed costs and beef prices. A modest adjustment also took place based on earlier slaughter of animals, tuberculosis resistance, carcass specifications and lower methane output.
I understand that prior to the updates, Continentals (Charolais, Limousin and Belgian Blue) were the most desirable Terminal cattle breeds and they continue to be the most desirable after the changes. With regard to the Replacement Index, the top three most desirable replacement breeds (Aberdeen Angus, Limousin and Simmental) remain as the top three after the changes. I am advised by ICBF that 84% of four or five Star animals prior to the changes will retain their four or five Star status after the changes.
ICBF have communicated extensively on changes to the beef indexes, including with breed societies, since the changes were announced. ICBF has recently committed to convening an industry stakeholder forum to address issues and concerns raised by suckler farmers and pedigree breeders and I welcome this engagement.
The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme aims to provide support to suckler farmers to improve the profitability and environmental sustainability of the national beef herd. I understand that animals in the SCEP herds whose Index falls will not be impacted by the changes until the SCEP participant sells an animal that has gone down in rating. It is only when this animal moves out of this herd, that it will no longer meet the 4 and 5 Star eligibility criteria. There is currently no evidence that the changes in indexes has led to many withdrawing from SCEP.
I am confident that the amended indexes will contribute to the overall profitability and sustainability of beef production at farm level and my Department will continue to monitor the impact of the amended indexes on SCEP participants.
