4,278 dropouts from Beef Data and Genomics Programme
Dropouts from the scheme have accelerated since mid-January, when Mr Coveney said 3,000 have withdrawn, but some of these had subsequently asked to re-enter.
At the time, he said withdrawals from such a scheme were not unusual, particularly when one considers the simple application procedure and the high volume of applicants. In mid-January, therewere also eligibility issues with a further 500 applicants
Now, genomic samples have not yet been returned for about 1,488 herds.
However, Mr Coveney said there is still evidence of interest in joining the scheme from farmers who missed application deadlines, and he was keeping the question of re-opening the scheme under review, having regard to the budget available, and other Rural Development Programme demands.
BDGP participants have to genotype selected animals on their farms and undertake a replacement strategy to reach a certain percentage of their animals having 4 or 5-star ratings, on the Euro Star system.
Compliant participants will receive €142.50 for each of the first eligible 6.66 hectares and €120 for each remaining hectare up to their maximum area.
Payments commenced in December of €30.2m to 16,000 participants, and of a further €1.4m to 750 farmers in January.
Mr Coveney provided the BDGP progress update in the Dail last week, in response to a question from Éamon Ó Cuív TD, Fianna Fáil.
Commenting on the high rate of withdrawals from the Beef Data and Genomics Scheme, Roscommon-Galway Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice called for the scheme to be simplified.
