Beef Geonomics Scheme Extended

The news that the Beef Geonomics Scheme closing date has been extended by a week is welcome however there are many problems associated with the scheme that I have been highlighting in recent months and those problems have led to a lower than expected take up across the country. Farmers are worried that having to sign up for a six year period means that there could be a claw back of payments if there are any problems. There are also problems that I have been highlighting with regard to the four and five star rating for animals in the herd and other problems as well. I have attended a number of meetings in recent weeks at which farmers expressed their unease and confusion at several aspects of this scheme. Minister Coveney should avail of this deadline extension to allay the fears of farmers and increase the numbers participating in the scheme