Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue needs to provide clarity on the continuation of the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) during the CAP transitional phase, Ger O’Brien Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Aossication (ICSA) suckler chair has said.

O’Brien called on the Minister to ensure there was a BDGP type scheme in place for 2021 and 2022.

“Suckler farmers badly need the funding allocated to the BDGP and it must continue uninterrupted,” he said.

Genotyping

“The scheme marked a key milestone for beef in this country with the advent of wider genotyping of cattle. The ICSA believes the future target must be the genotyping of all calves from the suckler herd as this would be hugely beneficial for development of suckler beef brands into the future.”

The significant developments made through the genotyping of cattle should not go to waste, he said.

O'Brien also warned of the financial impact on suckler farmers if the scheme was discontinued.

Supports

“Our suckler farmers rely on these schemes to make ends meet. It is therefore vital when a scheme is coming to an end that provisions are made for a new scheme to be devised, or where that is not possible, for the scheme to be rolled over.

“A new and improved BDGP scheme may have to wait until a new CAP is finalised but in the interim it is crucial that the work of the BDGP scheme can continue and suckler farmers can continue to be supported.”

Confirmation is also needed as to whether the BEEP-S scheme would be continued, O'Brien added.

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