Pat Deering
Ceist:30. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects the beef data and genomics programme to reopen to new entrants. [12201/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 9 March 2017
Ceisteanna (30)
Freagraí scríofa
I am aware of calls for the reopening of the BDGP to new applicants. My Department is currently assessing budgetary priorities and commitments under the RDP and in this context is considering the feasibility of opening the BDGP to new applicants on a limited basis.
When all the above relevant factors have been considered in full, I will make an announcement regarding the reopening of the scheme.
The calls to reopen the scheme are very much a positive reflection on the experience of those who are currently participating in the scheme. The scheme itself combined with other measures introduced by my Department such as the Mart Modernisation Scheme have concentrated the minds of suckler farmers on the genetic quality of their herds. Commercial farmers when making breeding decisions for their beef herds are now making those decisions based on both economic and scientific data which is easily accessible to them when purchasing replacement stock using Eurostar data displayed clearly at mart ringsides. This is an example of two Department schemes complementing one another in a positive manner. The BDGP is an important factor in driving continued efficiencies in Irish suckler production.
The suckler sector is a vital component of Ireland’s rural economy and the provision of support for the suckler sector is critically important. It is a sector that I want to ensure continues to survive and prosper in this country. The range of supports under the CAP such as Pillar I payments and schemes under the RDP such as GLAS, ANCs and indeed the BDGP represents a balance between direct income support for the sector and measures designed to improve its competitiveness and sustainability. I believe that it is entirely appropriate to maintain this balance of developmental and income supports into the future.
Having recently returned from a successful trade mission in the Middle East I have once again seen at first hand the high esteem in which Irish beef is held by consumers all over world, for its taste, animal welfare standards and environmentally sound production systems. The reputation of Irish beef as a premium sustainable product was one of the key factors in gaining enhanced market access in Saudi Arabia. The BDGP aims to re-enforce these vital qualities by further enhancing our production to be at the forefront of Irish and international efforts to tackle climate change. The benefits that this scheme will bring to the Irish suckler herd are cumulative and permanent and are an essential element of the future sustainability of producing beef from our suckler herd.