As of 5 January, there were 2,169 herds who were yet to submit 16,059 genomic samples as part of the Beef Data and Genomics Programme. The original deadline to have these samples submitted was 7 December, but this has long since passed with a large number of samples yet to be submitted. Overall in 2017, 326,629 cattle were to be genotyped.

Any farmers who have not yet returned tissue samples are urged to do so without delay.

Genomic tissue-sampling accounts for 10% of the total BDGP payment, while the genotyping itself accounts for 15%. Therefore, it should be a priority on farms to get these samples taken to ensure full payment.

Non-compliance

If, for any reason, payment due to an applicant in a given year reduces by more than 50%, as a result of non-compliance, no payment will issue for that and subsequent years and previous payments will be recouped by the Department.

In respect of 2017 BDGP I and II payments, a total of €38.2m has issued to 21,295 farmers.