€9m in 2013 funding for three discussion group programmes

The Sheep Technology Adoption Programme (STAP) of discussion groups has been put in place for the next three years, with €3 million of funding in 2013.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has announced €5m of funding in 2013 for the second year of the Beef Technology Adoption Programme, which will encompass a broader range of beef producers, including new entrants of funding in 2013. He intends to run the BTAP for a third year in 2014. Funding of €1m for the Development Programme for Dairying (DPD) is targeted both at milk suppliers who did not take part in the earlier Dairy Efficiency Programme discussion groups and other qualified farmers involved in dairying, including new entrants.

Mr Coveney said, “The programmes are intended to provide participants with the knowledge and the skills necessary to reduce costs and increase profit margins on their farms. Participants in all programmes in 2013 will be required to attend a number of discussion groups facilitated by a qualified adviser and to undertake practical tasks to assist them in improving performance in a number of areas at farm level.”