4,300 farmers pull out of BDGP

A STAGGERING 4,278 farmers have withdrawn from the Beef Data and Genomics Scheme, according to figures obtained by Roscommon/Galway Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice.

The figure was ‘astounding’ according to Deputy Fitzmaurice who said that the withdrawal figure amounted to approximately 15% of those who had joined the scheme in the first place.

“Never before in the history of the State has that number withdrawn from any scheme. It shows that this scheme is unattainable for a lot of farmers.

“It is money, like the highest apple on the branch, which is very hard to get. I have often talked about a revised system for farmers in this scheme.

“If common sense prevails, this scheme will be simplified so that this serious number of withdrawals can be reversed. We need all the farmers who apply, to be able to stay in the scheme,” said Deputy Fitzmaurice.

Meanwhile for those farmers still in the scheme, they have been advised to ‘get signed up’ for their mandatory four hour training course that must be completed by October 31 next.

Teagasc, the Dept. of Agriculture and the IFA have advised participants in the scheme to enrol for a course that’s convenient to them – all the courses are being given by Teagasc.

The ‘carrot’ for those attending the courses is that they will receive a payment of €166 for participation and in the process avoid any penalties or deductions from their BDGP cheques.

Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney said that the course would equip famers with the knowledge and skills necessary to ‘optimise’ delivery of the commitments in the programme.

“The course will also increase the participants’ knowledge of genomics and breeding selection, focusing on the shifting emphasis to maternal traits in order to bring about efficiencies that will result in reduced green house gas emissions,” said Minister Coveney.

Anthony O’Connor of Teagasc said that each participant would be invited by letter to attend a training course in a designated centre in their county and would have four days to respond by phone as to whether they would attend or not.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.