Some 4,278 farmers have withdrawn from the Beef Data and Genomics Programme, according to Roscommon Independent TD, Michael Fitzmaurice.
He says the figure is ‘astounding’ and is in the region of 15% of the farmers that joined the scheme.
According to Fitzmaurice, never before in the history of the state has that number withdrawn from any scheme.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 and if common sense prevails this scheme needs to be simplified so that this does not happen.
“We need all the farmers who apply to be able to stay in the scheme,” he said.
Over 27,000 farmers have applied to the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP), according to the Department of Agriculture.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) forms a part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. It involves funding of €300 million over the six year programme and builds on the success of previous schemes including the €23 million Beef Genomics Scheme (BGS).
Training
One of the compulsory measures for those of you participating in the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is to attend a four-hour training course before October 31 next.
Courses will be rolled out across the country commencing on Monday, March 21 and all BDGP participants will be invited to attend in the coming months.
Penalties
If you complete the training after the deadline, but within six months of the deadline date, the penalty will amount to 20% of your annual payment for both years one and two.
According to Teagasc, if your annual payment is €2,000, then you stand to lose €800. If the training is not completed within six months of the deadline, the participant is removed from the programme.
The good news, however is that those of you that attend will receive €166 for doing so.