Martin Ferris
Question:517. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he supports the EU legislation to control the propagation and sale of seed. [22363/13]
View answerTuesday, 14 May 2013
Questions (517)
Written answers
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the European Commission announcement of its proposals on 6 May concerning a comprehensive package of measures to strengthen the enforcement of health and safety standards for the entire agri-food chain. The package of measures expect to provide a modernised and simplified, more risked-based approach to the protection of health and more efficient control mechanisms to ensure the effective application of the rules guiding the operation of the food chain.
As it stands, the current body of EU legislation covering the food chain consists of almost 70 separate pieces of legislation. The package of reform proposes to reduce this down to 5 pieces of legislation. These are: Plant Health, Animal Health, Plant Reproductive Material, Official Controls and Financing Regulations. It is anticipated that the new streamlined legislation proposals would reduce the red-tape on processes and procedures for farmers, breeders and food business operators to make it easier for them to carry on business.
The regulation proposed for the commercial plant and seed sector differs very little from those rules already in operation, apart from the introduction of a more streamlined certification process. Importantly though, the regulation proposes to reduce the administrative burden on micro-enterprises, such as small seed processors who would be exempted by-and-large from all mandatory registration and control charges. Private gardeners and amateur growers would not be affected by these proposed regulations and would be able to continue to exchange seed as before.
It is anticipated that the new regime will not be in place before 2016. In the intervening period, all stakeholders will have ample opportunity to raise any legitimate concerns. The European Commission intends to engage proactively with stakeholders through information seminars to provide concrete and accurate information on both the content and scope as well as the basis for the legislation. During the negotiation phase of both the overarching regulations and subsequent implementing rules, there will be further engagement with all stakeholders to ensure a balanced outcome.