In order to receive payment under the BDGP in December, all surveys in relation to animals born between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016 must be completed and returned to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) by 7 December. All genotyping test kits must be submitted to the relevant laboratories by that date also. The deadline for completing the carbon navigator under this scheme was 30 November, after farmers were given a one month extension in October.

In the event that requirements have not been met within the specified timeframe, payments will continue to be made in the new year as herds continue to satisfy scheme requirements

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said that he “strongly urges” all BDGP participants to return all surveys and genotyping samples in order to receive payment in December. The Minister also indicated there would be some flexibility for farmers who fail to meet the December deadline, saying that “in the event that requirements have not been met within the specified timeframe, payments will continue to be made in the new year as herds continue to satisfy scheme requirements”.

According to the Department, payments are on target to commence in December under the BDGP. It also said the commencement of these payments will ensure that vital funding is injected into the beef sector before the end of the year. The BDGP programme is part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, which will benefit 24,000 Irish suckler farmers during the course of the programme’s six-year term.

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