IFA Pushes for Re-opening of Beef Data and Genomics Scheme for Sucklers

IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said the Beef Data and Genomics Scheme for sucklers should be reopened immediately to allow applicants in during 2016.

He said IFA has been in contact with senior officials in the Department of Agriculture making the case for the reopening the scheme, “There is no reason the scheme cannot reopen and it makes very good sense as there are suckler farmers who would like to join the scheme.”

Angus Woods said IFA is very determined that supports for the suckler sector must be increased in order to maintain our quality beef cow herd. He said IFA has set out a policy of increasing suckler cow payments to €200 per cow and this needs to be addressed by the new Government.