Almost 10,000 farmers are yet to receive payments under the Beef Data and Genomics Programme.

According to the latest update from the Department 29,865 applications were received for the scheme in 2015 of which 4,435 have withdrawn.

To date payments amounting to some €37m have issued to more 20,000 participants applicants.

The Department says the remaining herds will be paid as data and genomic requirements are fully met and cases clear.

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).

Genomics 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.