The Beef Data and Genomics Programme 2017-2022 (BDGP II) provides financial support to farmers for using technology and genomics to improve the national herd. Farmers have to meet standards on genotyped animals.
You had to apply for the scheme by May 2017 but payments continue each year for the duration of the programme. Successful applicants are suckler farmers aged 18 or over with a valid herd number.
To continue to be eligible for payments, you have to follow the measures set out in the programme , which include:
Replacement requirements
The replacement strategy is an integral part of the programme. It involves males and females of superior genetic merit being introduced to the national herd over the course of the programme.
Stock bull
At least one stock bull on your farm on 30 June 2021 must be genotyped 4 or five star. This, or a similar 4 or 5 star bull, must be kept until 30 June 2022.
Using artificial insemination
When using artificial insemination, at least 80% used must be from 4 or 5 star bulls. This applies from 30 June 2018.
Leased bulls
If you are renting in bulls for breeding you must, from 30 June 2018, use bulls that are 4 or 5 star. You must report the use of leased bulls.
Female replacements
A percentage of your heifers or eligible suckler cows must be genotyped females that are:
The proportion of heifers or eligible suckler cows meeting these requirements on 31 October 2020 must be at least 20% of the reference number of animals. On 31 October 2022 it must be 50%.
Six-year programme
This is a six-year programme and you are required to complete all actions for the full six years. If you withdraw, or are disqualified from the programme for a non-compliance during the course of the six years, any payments already made will be recovered by the Department. You must comply with all the conditions of the scheme below
These are the administrative provisions for the implementation of the Programme drawn up in accordance with Council Regulations (EC) No. 1305/2013 and 1306/2013 as amended, together with 807/14 and 808/14.
Beef Data and Genomics Programme 2017 - 2022
Terms and conditions for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme 2017 - 2022.
Download link for Download View the file ViewPayment will be made at a rate of €142.50 for each of the first 6.66 hectares of eligible forage land and €120 on the remaining eligible hectares.
The eligible hectares on which you are entitled to claim is calculated as the number of calved cows on your holding in 2014, or 2017 in the case of new entrants to suckler farming, divided by a standard stocking rate of 1.5, up to the limit of the declared forage land deemed eligible.
Eligible land is declared on your 2014 Single Payment Scheme application, or for new entrants the Basic Payment Scheme application for 2017.
Payment applications for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme are completed as part of the Basic Payment Scheme. To apply online, login or register at www.agfood.ie . You must apply by midnight on Wednesday 15 May 2020.
If your login or password are expired and need to be renewed please contact the Department’s helpdesk.
