Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 June 2012
10Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the progress he has made on the establishment of beef discussion groups; the number he will create; the number of farmers involved; and the financial support available [28525/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe beef technology adoption programme was introduced in the context of the strategy for the long-term development of the beef sector as set out in the Food Harvest 2020 report. The strategy acknowledges that significant challenges exist in regard to farm-level profitability in the sector. Market realities dictate that a strong commercial perspective is vital to improving viability, securing sufficient returns and achieving long-term growth. It is evident that improved productivity and market orientation among beef farmers are essential to sustain future growth in the sector. It noted that initiatives such as the recently expanded Teagasc BETTER Farm Beef Programme highlight the significant growth potential when best practices are adopted inside the farm gate.
The Beef 2020 Activation Group, which was established to consider the next steps necessary to achieve the sectoral output targets contained in the Food Harvest 2020 strategy, recommended that an effective discussion group programme be established with publicly funded support to underpin effective management and technology transfer in beef farming similar to that already operating in the dairy sector. Such a programme, it contended, could contribute substantially to the development of the beef sector.
The discussion group on dairy farming has been very effective and I have no doubt the beef discussion group will be equally effective. I am delighted the sheep industry has been getting the same recognition in recent weeks.
There is huge potential within the beef industry, particularly at the farm gate. There have been great advances in the dairy industry over many years and huge input from Teagasc at Moorepark and other locations. There is a huge effort to improve the quality of beef, the genetics and the raw material, for want of a better term, and this must be encouraged in every way possible.
I was present when this was launched nearly a year ago in Kilkenny, where best practice within the beef industry was discussed and put on display. It is from this that the idea of discussion groups has been implemented and financed by my Department, and we will continue to do that.
Written Answers follow Adjournment.
