Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1183. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what consultations took place with suckler farmers when formulating the changes to the beef index; and what information has been provided to suckler farmers following the changes to the beef index. [56493/23]
View answer1184. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has conducted a risk assessment on the impact of the changes to the beef index on suckler farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56494/23]
View answer1185. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with suckler farmers on concerns they have in relation to the survival of pedigree breeding following changes to the beef index. [56495/23]
View answer1187. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to review matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56500/23]
View answer1192. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has requested that an organisation (details supplied) suspend the proposed new cattle indexes pending a proper consultation and engagement with affected farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56518/23]
View answer1221. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce a compensation package for farmers whose animals have been devalued as a consequence of the change in star ratings as introduced by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56954/23]
View answer1222. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will suspend the introduction of the changes introduced by an organisation (details supplied) to star ratings to allow for a full evaluation of the losses that some farmers will endure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56955/23]
View answer1227. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if in relation to the SCEP scheme the reason the terms and conditions with regard to animal star ratings of the contract have changed after commencement of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57108/23]
View answer1241. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that the recent changes to the STAR rating/evaluations for the suckler carbon efficiency programme will adversely affect farmers of traditional Irish cattle breeds (hereford and angus); the reason ratings/evaluations were revised after the commencement of the scheme, leaving many farmers, who entered these contracts in good faith, in an increasingly untenable position (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1028/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1183, 1184, 1185, 1187, 1192, 1221, 1222, 1227 and 1241 together.
My Department does not conduct bovine genetic evaluations.
The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) is 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.
Whilst I acknowledge the concerns raised in relation to the recent updates to the beef Euro-Star indexes, I understand from ICBF that this was the first major update since 2015, based predominantly 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 confident that pedigree breeders will continue to play a vital role in livestock breeding through genetic improvement.
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 (SCEP) aims to provide support to suckler farmers to improve the profitability and environmental sustainability of the national beef herd. I understand from ICBF that 84% of 4-5 Star animals prior to the changes will retain their 4-5 Star status after the changes.
Breeding animals in SCEP herds whose Index falls below 4 or 5 star rating will not be impacted by the changes. It is only when this animal moves out of this herd that its lower star rating will become applicable and it will no longer meet the 4 and 5 Star eligibility criteria. I understand that any other issues will be addressed in the coming months in the stakeholder forum and communications will be issued to SCEP participants by ICBF. Indeed, ICBF has already written to all SCEP participants and will be doing further direct communication to ensure farmers have a full understanding of what the changes are and how the changes will benefit the national suckler herd. I will continue to monitor any impact on SCEP farmers closely.
I am confident that the amended indexes will contribute to the overall profitability and sustainability of beef production at farm level.
