The Minister said that he was delighted to provide this level of funding aimed at improving cattle and sheep breeding in Ireland, two sectors that are important to the Irish economy. Funding is being provided for a number of work areas, all of which have a clear focus on profit and are designed to identify animals that have the genetic capability to produce the greatest profits from Irish beef, dairy and sheep farms.

Mr Smith further added that he is encouraged by the progress of the ICBF in relation to cattle breeding in co-operation with the various stakeholders involved in the industry. He concluded by encouraging all sheep breeding stakeholders to support Sheep Ireland in their endeavours aimed at achieving cumulative and permanent gains in on-farm profitability for sheep farmers.

"ICBF have already shown the capacity to deliver more profit to farmers through better breeding, which is a key part of helping to increase quality of production and farm profitability in our main agriculture sectors, especially in the dairy industry. This investment also goes towards  improving the competitiveness of the Irish livestock industry". Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith.

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