Some €37m is set to land in farmers' accounts who took part in the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP).

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said he was delighted that payments were commencing and confirmed that farmers would be contacted shortly by letter and text message regarding the rollover of the scheme in 2021.

“Ensuring the rapid issuing of payments of schemes such as the BDGP is a key priority of mine in supporting our suckler beef sector and comes as part of the latest measure both this Government and Department has delivered for suckler farmers,” the Minister said.

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Controversy

There has been controversy over some farmers missing the scheme requirements, which includes having a prerequisite percentage of four or five €uro-Star replacement females in a herd.

However, the majority of farmers have met the scheme requirements.

Last year, €41.59m was paid out to 23,015 farmers in BDGP I and II, but, this year, the Minister said that approximately €37m would be paid to over 21,000 farmers.

He said that more payments would be made as farmers continued to satisfy the requirements of the scheme.

Meaningful support

IFA livestock chairman Brendan Golden has welcomed the issuing of payments to farmers this week, praising the direct supports for suckler farmers as a critical part of the sustainability of the sector.

“The rollover of this scheme for the CAP transition period will provide the basis to build on direct supports to suckler farmers.”

“IFA is pursuing flexibilities with the Department for farmers who are within one animal of meeting the 90% compliance level for the female replacement rate of 50%, to significantly reduce the penalties on these farmers.”