Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney T.D. today issued an update on the implementation of the Beef Data and Genomics Scheme (BDGP) as the application deadline of 29 May approaches. The scheme is a key measure under Ireland's Rural Development Plan and will see investment of some €300m into suckler farming over the next six years.

Commenting on the applications to date the Minister said “over 5,000 farmers have now applied to join the BDGP and applications are coming in to the Department at a rate of more than 1,000 per day This shows that beef farmers have decided that engagement with the scheme represents good business planning” the Minister said. The scheme remains on target for the envisaged participation rate of 35,000 farmers in total for which funding of €52m per year has been provided in DAFM’s Rural Development Programme”.

The Minister also referred to concerns expressed by some farmers about the six year commitment involved in joining the scheme. “This is an agri-environment scheme and the six year commitment arises from the requirements of the EU Regulation under which this scheme is co-funded by the EU and the Irish taxpayer. From a farmer’s point of view this means they can now plan for the future in the knowledge that there is a reliable guaranteed payment for the next six years subject to their compliance with the scheme”.

He added “However I would like to stress that no scheme participant will be required to return their funding for minor non-compliances in any particular year of the scheme. The relevant provisions are set out in the Terms and Conditions. It’s important to note that the penalty system as currently identified includes appropriate tolerances where only minor non-compliances occur and no penalty will apply in these cases. However in more serious cases there must of course be an applicable penalty but on balance I am satisfied that the approach reflects the most proportionate response consistent with the Regulations. The requirement to seek full refund of payment only applies in the event of permanent withdrawal from the scheme. As always in such cases we have included force majeure clauses in the Terms and Conditions where withdrawal is due to circumstances beyond the applicant’s control such as illness.

The Minister added that “It’s important obviously that those farmers who wish to join the scheme and commit to undertaking actions are not excluded by those who join but subsequently leave during its lifetime. It would be remiss of us to run the scheme in such a manner and equally not to ensure that all applicants fully understand the requirements before they join”.

On the issue of the replacement strategy set out in the scheme design, the Minister commented “the need for genetic improvement in the Irish suckler herd is widely acknowledged, and the adoption in the beef sector of the genomic technology which has already made a significant difference to the dairy sector, is critically important tool in increasing production efficiency and ultimately farmer margins. This scheme is putting €300 million into accelerating genetic improvement and so the requirement for farmers to move towards using 4 and 5 star rated stock bulls and heifers is essential to its objectives. We are fully aware that these requirements will take time to comply which is why we have provided for a 5 year lead-in time. The ICBF will have a key role to play in meeting this requirement and I am delighted that the ICBF Board has given its unanimous endorsement to the scheme”.

In addition to the above clarifications, the Department are also issuing an updated FAQ note in response to various technical questions received by applicants. The Minister also reminded applicants that any additional clarifications can be accessed on the Department’s website or contacting the helpdesk at 076-1064423. The Minister also reminded all potential participants to carefully study the Terms and Conditions of the scheme which they received in the post before submitting an application.

Finally, the Minister also confirmed that the BDGP, like all RDP Schemes will be subject to mid-term review over the next five years. The Minister commented, “if arising from the review, we find that aspects of the scheme can be improved in the future we will seek to address these issues in consultation with the EU Commission. I am satisfied though that the scheme right now strikes the correct balance between driving genetic gain on suckler farms while delivering verifiable environmental gain for Irish agriculture. It will also of course lead to improved farm margins for suckler farmers and will help to continue to position Irish beef as world leader by further improving its sustainability credentials.

View this Press Release as a PDF: DAFMPR 87/2015 (pdf 375Kb) 

Date Released: 18 May 2015