Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1556. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will allow flexibility with BDGP targets in view of the fact that normal livestock trading has been put into chaos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33826/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor 2020, a key requirement of the Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP) I is that participants must ensure that at least 50% of their reference animals are genotyped heifers/eligible suckler cows and rated 4/5 stars on the replacement index. Under BDGP II, which commenced in 2017, the female replacement requirement is 20% of their reference animals. This was clearly set out in the terms and conditions of the BDGP at the outset of the six year programme and was also included in the mandatory training module that each participant was required to attend at the start of the Programme.
Since 2017, ICBF have posted regular “BDGP Eligibility” reports to participants after each genomic evaluation run to give herd owners an up to date picture of where their herds stood in relation to programme targets. Since 2019, the evaluation reports have issued every two months. Therefore, participants could track their progress in meeting their targets over the six years of the programme.
Further supports have been put in place more recently in order to assist participants in meeting this requirement. These included targeted letters and direct phone calls to individual participants by ICBF to offer advice on the best course of action. A ‘Mart Tracker’ app was made available by ICBF which allows farmers see the numbers of genotyped 4/5 star females being traded through marts every day. ICBF, in conjunction with the Department and ICOS, has assisted marts to arrange special sales of genotyped 4/5 star females. Herds with surplus females and herds that needed to purchase these animals were notified of these sales. Ongoing consultation with agricultural consultants by DAFM staff has also been in place.
It has also been agreed that heifers qualifying as 4/5 star in the upcoming November evaluations can be considered for eligibility.
The requirement in question are is a core element of compliance with the terms and conditions of the programme and delivery is essential in order to underpin payment. It is therefore not intended to alter the requirements in relation to this element of the scheme
