Vol. 442 No. 5
4 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will approach the EU Commission with a view to allowing farmers use set-aside land for grazing and forage production, in view of the severe hardship for livestock farmers caused by the bad weather.
70 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will approach the EU Commission with a view to allowing farmers use set-aside land for grazing the forage production, in view of the severe hardship for livestock farmers caused by the bad weather.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 70 together.
The use of set-aside land for any agricultural purpose, other than production of specified products which are not intended for human or animal consumption, is not permitted under EU regulations except during the period from 1 September to 14 January. Set-aside land attracts a payment of £136.94 per acre, and to allow grazing or forage production on such land would discriminate against farmers who are dependent on unsubsidised land for livestock production. In the circumstances, it is not my intention to seek a derogation from the EU Commission.
I am disappointed at the Minister's response. Does he agree that this would be the single, most effective way of compensating farmers given the atrocious weather conditions during the past six months; that it would not cost the Irish or European taxpayer anything; that it would allow fields which have been destroyed because of early grazing to recover and allow us to build up reserves of hay and silage which have been depleted due to the bad weather?
Farmers are paid £136 per acre to set-aside land. Those who possess land which has not been set aside made the case to the European Commission that it would be extremely unfair if farmers in receipt of a subsidy of £136 per acre could use the land in the same way as themselves. Farmers can use set-aside land for grazing or silage production from 1 September onwards. It may also be used for the production of cereals, oil seeds, protein crops and a range of other crops. In practice farmers are behaving sensibly in relation to set-aside land.
I know the position and I asked the Minister to speak to the European Commission. I do not accept that there is much opposition to this. Will the Minister re-examine the matter and think seriously about helping these farmers who are suffering enormously because of adverse weather conditions? There are many precedents. When horticultural farmers were affected by bad weather they were assisted by the State. We have an opportunity, at no cost to the taxpayer, to help a large number of farmers who have been badly affected.
I have no difficulty in having a further look at this but we would discriminate against those farmers who do not possess land which has been set aside to help those in receipt of a generous subsidy.
The time available for priority questions is exhausted but I can deal with Question No. 6 in ordinary time.
