IFA Calls on Minister Coveney to Immediately Set Up Review Group on Beef Data and Genomics Scheme

IFA National Livestock Chairman Henry Burns has said the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney needs to immediately set up the review group to examine the issues and farmer concerns under the Beef Data and Genomics Scheme. He said Minister Coveney has made a clear commitment to this review group and he must ensure it commences its work immediately.

Henry Burns said farmers have applied to this important scheme in good faith and are expecting that the issues they have raised will be dealt under the arrangements set up by the Minister and the Department of Agriculture, so as to make the scheme more workable for farmers.

The IFA livestock leader said the Department of Agriculture, ICBF and Teagasc need to undertake a nationwide series of meetings to communicate the details of the scheme to farmers and explain the issues and concerns that have arisen as well as the requirements under the scheme.

Henry Burns said, “With 30,000 suckler farmers applying for the scheme. Minister Coveney needs to reopen applications to give farmers who have not yet applied and new entrants the opportunity to submit their application”.

The IFA Livestock Chairman said the ultimate priority under the BDGS will be delivery on the commitment to pay out the €52m by December this year.