ICSA: Six-year genomic contract is too limiting

Farmers signing up to the Beef Data and Genomics Programme must be allowed to exit mid-scheme without penalties, says ICSA suckler chairman Dermot Kelleher.

While welcoming the new scheme, Mr Kelleher said there are many reasons why someone might have to withdraw from the scheme during the six years, citing death, illness, family or financial difficulties.

“We cannot accept the condition that farmers who pull out of the scheme at any stage will have to pay back any monies received up to that point,” he said.