Written Answers Nos. 511-533
511. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify the position in respect of fish discards here in comparison to other EU countries; if our laws are much stricter; the position regarding sea bass quotas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22289/13]
View answerDiscarding is a complex global problem where unwanted catches are returned to the sea as a result of a number of factors including quota restrictions, high grading, minimum landing sizes, and market conditions. Levels of discards in EU Member States vary depending on the size and nature of the fishery. The evidence in relation to mixed fisheries across western waters indicates a consistently high level of discards and presents a significant problem for all EU Member States involved in fishing EU waters.
Finding practical and implementable solutions to the wasteful practice of discarding fish is a major component of the current reform proposals for the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Since taking up office as Marine Minister, I have worked tirelessly to influence and drive a change in policy which will urgently lead to an end to discarding. I have prioritised securing final agreement between the EU Fisheries Council and the Parliament on reform of the CFP throughout the Irish EU Presidency and we are making considerable progress in this regard. The Fisheries Council which commenced yesterday and continues today is seeking to agree a compromise package on the CFP reform, including in relation to dealing with discards, with a view to finalising negotiations with the EU Parliament and the Commission before the end of the Irish Presidency.
Ireland has been to the forefront in the drive to reduce and eliminate discards for many years and I was delighted to launch an Irish “discard” atlas in 2011, which is a detailed compendium of discards by the Irish Fleet targeting whitefish on a stock by stock and area by area basis. This was the first publication of its kind and placed Ireland firmly to the fore in the debate on eliminating discards and assisted in advancing the case for a phased elimination of discards as part of the CFP reform package. I have urged other Member States to produce similar publications for their fleet. It can be expected that discard levels are similar for similar fleets operating in the same fisheries across the EU.
In relation to sea bass, the EU Commission has not yet advised if it intends to pursue a TAC and quota regime for sea bass for 2014. I will continue to press Ireland’s case at every opportunity at EU level including at EU Fisheries Council meetings and will consider management arrangements for sea bass when and if Council decides on TACs and quotas for the relevant stocks.
512. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the conditions of the agri-environment options scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22297/13]
View answerUnder the terms and conditions of the Agri-environmental Options Scheme, a longer closed period and a later cutting date than normally apply in the case of conventional silage or hay meadows are required because of the lower fertiliser allocation permitted on Traditional Hay Meadows declared under the scheme.
Under the 2010 scheme (AEOS 1), meadows for conservation that are declared under the Traditional Hay Meadow measure cannot be cut before 1st July. Under the 2011 and 2012 schemes, the applicable date is 15th July. The restriction ensures that the environmental objectives of the scheme are met by ensuring that seeds from the grass species in the meadow have had time to spread and contribute to maintaining and increasing the diversity within the sward. Scheme participants are required to make hay on these meadows. However, when hay cannot be saved due to bad weather, the participant can make silage subject to certain conditions.
My Department recently extended the commencement date for the closed period for 2013 for the Traditional Hay Meadow option in AEOS from 15th April to 15th May in light of the recent bad weather and fodder crisis. I have no plans at present to review the requirement in relation to the earliest date for cutting.
513. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will explain the position he took regarding the vote on the new EU seed law designed to ban all traditional vegetable varieties unless registered and licensed, which went before the council on 6 May. [22300/13]
View answerRather than a vote at Council, the European Commission formally presented 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.
514. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the balance of a single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who is struggling with the current fodder crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22341/13]
View answerAn application under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 December 2012 with accompanying medical evidence relating to the late submission (closing date for receipt was 15 May 2012).
Having considered the medical evidence, it was decided to accept the late application on an exceptional basis. Payment under the Single Payment Scheme issued on 18 December 2012.
Following the processing of a Single Payment Entitlements Trade application, a supplementary payment under the Single Payment Scheme issued on 21 February 2013. There are, therefore, no outstanding monies due in this case.
515. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in issuing an agri-environment option scheme payment to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when the payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22351/13]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2011 and full payment totalling €1,235.95 issued in respect of 2011.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. Payments in respect of the 2012 Scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. During the checking process on the Capital Investment Claim issues were identified in relation to the claimed units for the Tree Planting Standard action which may result in a penalty being imposed. My Department is finalising its examination of this case with the intention of finalising the 2012 application at the earliest opportunity.
516. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review penalities imposed on a person (details supplied) in County Wexford regarding their single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22362/13]
View answerThe penalty in this case was imposed because, according to my Department’s record, the amount of nitrogen from livestock manure applied to land on the holding in 2011 (including that deposited by animals) was 194 kgs per Hectare, which exceeded the limit of 170 kgs per hectare set down in the Nitrates Regulations. The financial penalty involved in this case represents 3% of 2011 Single Farm Payment and/or Disadvantaged Areas Scheme/REPS/AEOS, where applicable, for the person named.
It is open to the person named to appeal this deduction in writing, within a three month time limit from the date of notification which in this case was 16 April 2013, to the Agriculture Appeals Office, Kilminchy Court, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. The Agriculture Appeals Office is an independent body established to provide an appeals service to farmers in respect of decisions of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine relating to entitlements under the various schemes available. In making the appeal a person must include all the facts and contentions upon which they intend to rely on together with such documentary evidence that they may wish to submit in support of an appeal.
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 answerI 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.
518. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to reopen the agri-environment options scheme for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22379/13]
View answerDespite the challenging budgetary constraints facing my Department, last year I secured an additional €20 million annually to fund a new agri-environment scheme and on foot of this I announced the re-opening of the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS). I decided on a maximum payment of €4,000 per annum for individual applicants to allow for up to 6,000 new participants to be accepted into the scheme. I expect approval letters to issue shortly.
I have no plans at present to re-open the Scheme.
519. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expedite a single farm payment appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22380/13]
View answerA review of the original decision on the penalty in this case, which took account of correspondence received from Kerry County Council, resulted in the level of penalty being reduced from 20% to 15%. This decision was notified to the applicant on 8 February 2013 and the additional amount due issued to the nominated bank account on 14 February.
However, this outcome has since been appealed to the Agriculture Appeals Office on 14 March 2013. The request is currently being processed and staff from the Appeals Office, which is independent from my Department, will be in touch with the person named in due course to arrange an oral hearing.
520. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expedite a suckler cow scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22391/13]
View answerThe person named registered 15 animals under the 2012 Suckler Welfare Scheme.
An issue arose with weaning dates for some of the animals which has now been resolved. Payment will issue in the near future, subject to final confirmation that all of the other Terms and Conditions of the Scheme have been complied with.
521. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the 2012 agri-environment option scheme payment has not been issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [22392/13]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2011 and full payment totalling €1,033.03 issued in respect of 2011.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. Payments in respect of the 2012 Scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investments through checks on receipts. The person named did not deliver the Conservation of Genetic Resources action in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the scheme and a 10% penalty was imposed. The application has been finalised for the 2012 scheme year and 75% payment (net of penalty) totalling €2,144.29 issued dated 13 May 2013. The balancing 25% payment will issue shortly.
522. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri-environment options scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if he will expedite this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22443/13]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2011 and full payment totalling €1,089.08 issued in respect 2011.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. The application of the person named was selected for a ground inspection which took place on 2 November 2012. During this inspection, areas of non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme were noted in relation to the Planting of New Hedgerow and Tree Planting - Standard actions which resulted in a penalty being imposed.
A letter issued to the person named informing him of this penalty and giving him the option to appeal the decision. An appeal was received from the person named and it is currently being considered. The person named will be notified in writing of the outcome of this appeal once a decision has been made.
523. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a rural environment protection scheme payment for 2012 will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22451/13]
View answerThe person named commenced REPS 4 in May 2008 and received payments for the first four years of their contract.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. Following the administrative check in 2012 an issue arose in relation to ownership of lands which has resulted in a request of further information. This request for information was issued in November 2012 and a response was received in my Department on 2 May 2013. My officials are currently examining this information with the intention of finalising the 2012 application as soon as possible.
524. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was unable to sell a cow at Ballina Mart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22473/13]
View answerThe dam in question remained a suspect for BVD until the negative laboratory result was received onto the Department’s Animal Identification Movement system on the morning of 2 May. The herdowner was informed of the negative result on that same day. In accordance with the provisions of the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Order 2012 (SI 532 of 2012) the herdowner was precluded from moving the animal from his holding prior to him being notified of the negative test result.
525. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a farmer in County Kerry who has 38 hectares with entitlements with a value of €5,000 has an additional 28 hectares without entitlements, the number of entitlements that they would be permitted to purchase or would be able to apply to the national reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22477/13]
View answerA farmer may purchase entitlements by way of transfer of entitlements from another farmer. Normally a farmer will purchase one entitlement for each hectare of land that is currently free of entitlements. In order to transfer entitlements by way of sale a transfer of entitlement application form must be completed and submitted to my Department. The application form for transferring entitlements under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme year is available on my Departments website. The closing date for receipt of completed application is Wednesday 15 May 2013.
In recent years the National Reserve has been used solely to allocate entitlements to new entrants to farming who meet certain minimum educational standards. The Reserve has been funded in recent years only from the value of unused entitlements and as the value of unused entitlements has decreased, it will not be possible to operate a 2013 or 2014 National Reserve.
526. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 736 of 5 February 2013, when payment of suckler calf premium will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22504/13]
View answerThe person named registered 18 animals under the 2012 Suckler Welfare Scheme.
Payment has already issued for 15 animals; 9 animals paid on 18th February 2013; 4 animals paid on 1st March 2013 and 2 animals paid on 2nd May 2013.
Errors have been identified with the remaining 3 animals and a letter issued to the person named on 10th May 2013 seeking clarification.
527. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a disadvantaged area scheme refusal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22506/13]
View answerThe person named is one of a number of applicants under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, whose case was impacted by the requirement of a minimum stocking density of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare and who applied for and was refused derogation in this regard. The person named subsequently availed of the option to appeal to the independently chaired DAS Appeals Committee; that appeal was unsuccessful. The appellant was notified accordingly by letter dated 12 December 2012.
As advised in that letter, it is now open to the person named to pursue the matter with the Office of the Ombudsman.
528. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a minimum stocking density disadvantaged area scheme 2012 refusal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22509/13]
View answerThe person named is one of a number of applicants under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, whose case was impacted by the requirement of a minimum stocking density of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare and who applied for and was refused derogation in this regard. The person named subsequently availed of the option to appeal to the independently chaired DAS Appeals Committee; that appeal was unsuccessful. The appellant was notified accordingly by letter dated 12 December 2012.
As advised in that letter, it is now open to the person named to pursue the matter with the Office of the Ombudsman.
529. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an agri-environment option scheme payment for 2010 and 2011 will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22520/13]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and 75% payment, totalling €959.18 has issued in respect of 2010.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. The person named was also selected for an on farm inspection. Following this inspection the person named was notified on 5 December 2011 that he was being penalised for non-compliances associated with the Tree Planting Standard action. An appeal was received in the Agriculture Appeals Office in March 2012 and he was informed in November 2012 that he was successful in his appeal. However following this a further issue arose regarding the lease on a specific parcel of land. He was notified of this issue in writing dated 18 December 2012. This issue was rectified in April 2013. The 25% balancing payment for 2010 will issue shortly following which the application will be processed for 2011 and 2012.
530. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason some of the hay coming into Ireland and being distributed through the marts is not being subsidized (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22530/13]
View answerThe objective of the measure is to provide support to farmers in addressing a significant forage shortage on farms. This is being achieved by assisting in transport costs associated with importation of forage from UK (excluding NI) and other EU Member States. For the purposes of this Scheme, eligible forage is defined as Hay, Silage or Haylage, but excludes Straw.
While I initially set a deadline of 3 May and a budget of €1 million for the Scheme, following consultation with Met Eireann, Co Ops, the farming organisations, Teagasc and the advice of officials working on the ground, I decided to extend the Scheme to 24 May and double the funding available. Fodder, eligible under the Scheme and delivered into the country in the next two weeks will be covered up to 24 May.
While initially the Scheme was operated through the Dairy Co-operatives, I have now expanded the list of approved participants to include Livestock marts, Co-operatives and other outlets. My Department is continuing to monitor the situation on a day by day basis. I understand that this remains a very challenging situation for farmers and this extension will allow both farmers and Co Ops to have some certainly around supply of fodder over the coming weeks.
The Animal Welfare Hotline remains open, including weekends, for those with emergency situations or who need information about where to source fodder: Low-call 1850 21 19 90.
531. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a íocfar feirmeoir (sonraí tugtha) faoin scéim REPs; an chúis a bhí leis an moil á íoc [22532/13]
View answerIrish Version:
Thosaigh an duine luaite REPS 4 i mí Eanáir 2008 agus fuair an duine íocaíochtaí don chéad cheithre bliana dá chonradh.
Is beart é REPS 4 faoin gClár Forbartha Tuaithe agus tá sé faoi réir Rialacháin an AE ina n-éilítear scrúduithe riaracháin a dhéanamh ar gach iarratas sular féidir aon íocaíochtaí a eisiúint. Tá na scrúduithe seo curtha i gcrích anois agus sa chás seo dearbhaíodh go n-íocfaí 75% den íocaíocht do Bhliain 5 de 2012 ar €7,823.97 é, ar an 3 Bealtaine 2013. Eiseofar an fuílleach íocaíochta de 25% de Bhliain 5 go luath.
English Version:
The person mentioned commenced REPS 4 in January 2008 and received payments for the first four years of their contract.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. These checks have now been completed in this case and the 2012 75% Year 5 payment amounting to €7,823.97 was confirmed for payment on 3rd May 2013. The remaining 25% Year 5 balancing payment will issue shortly.
532. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the earliest date that a prepayment of the disadvantaged area scheme payments and the single farm payment could take place in 2013 in view of the poor weather conditions; the barrier to earlier payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22535/13]
View answerMindful of ongoing difficulties, I have decided that a formal request should again be made to the EU Commission seeking agreement to pay an advance from 16 October of the 2013 Single Farm Payment which, being the first day of the new EU financial year is the earliest potential payment date and almost two months ahead of the standard timeline. It will be recalled that my successful approach to Commissioner Ciolos for agreement to making an advance payment of the 2012 Single Farm Payment was prompted by the very wet weather experienced throughout last summer.
My Department will continue to make every effort to ensure that payments under the 2013 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commence as early as possible in September, while taking into account of the need to adhere to the requirement in the governing EU Regulation, which provides that all eligibility checks must be finalised before full payments can commence.
In light of the difficulties experienced by farmers in sourcing fodder supplies, I announced the allocation of €1 million to fund the Imported Fodder Transport Scheme, which is designed to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage (hay, silage, haylage) from outside the island of Ireland. In light of the continuing difficulties being experienced, I extended the duration of the scheme to Friday 24 May, a broadening of its scope to include maize silage and a doubling of the budget to €2 million. I am pleased to note that since the introduction of this Scheme significant quantities of fodder have been imported and are reaching those in most need.
Following the issue of approximately 1,500 AEOS payments valued at €1.6m over the last two weeks days, close to a further 600 AEOS payments valued at close to €1.5 million will issue this week. Both AEOS 1 and 2 payments will continue to issue in the weeks ahead as outstanding queries are resolved. This will bring the total paid out in respect of the 2012 application period to just over €40m.
To date approximately 29,200 of the remaining 30,200 REPS 4 participants have been paid a total of €167m in respect of the 2012 application period. An additional €1m will issue this week to a further 200 REPS 4 farmers.
I am, of course, keeping the situation under review in light of the ongoing situation.
533. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work done by his Department and the agencies operating under the aegis of his Department, particularly An Bord Bia, to find new markets for light hill lambs next autumn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22537/13]
View answerThe market performance of the sheep sector, in common with other agricultural sectors, is a function of supply and demand.
I am aware that market conditions for light lamb were particularly challenging last year.
There are two main outlets for light lambs (i) Store lamb trade and (ii) Exports to Mediterranean countries. The store lamb trade failed to take off in Autumn 2012, largely driven by a poor pasture conditions (limited grass, forage) and lack of confidence on the part of store lamb finishers who were reluctant to buy expensive feed. Demand within the traditional markets for light lamb (Portugal and indirectly Spain) has also been poor over the last two years due to the economic downturn in these regions. Indeed total imports of sheep meat into Portugal and Spain have fallen by 26% and 42% respectively.
Bearing in mind the difficulties in recent times with these two outlets, the industry and Bord Bia are exploring additional new markets for light lambs for 2013. These markets include France and the UK, which are the core export markets for Irish lamb, and Sweden, Belgium and Germany, which have been delivering positive growth over the last 2-3 years. However it must be recognised that light lambs (<13kg) are generally not favoured by consumers in these regions and it is likely that lambs will need to be finished up to a weight of 17kg+. I understand that Bord Bia has been discussing with the industry on how this could best be done, for example overwinter the lambs and dispose of them in the following Spring.
Research can also be used to assist light lamb producers to bring the carcass to an acceptable weight specification. The Teagasc BETTER farm programme has a number of hill farms around the country. The aim of this programme is to establish focal points for the on-farm implementation, development and evaluation of technology that is relevant to hill sheep farmers. Close collaboration between Teagasc Researchers & Advisers with these farms aims to help improve profitability of hill sheep production.
The recently launched Sheep Technology Adoption Programme (STAP) contains a measure designed to help improve the weight, quality and thus price of hill lambs.
My Department is providing significant funding to Sheep Ireland to help deliver on the significant profit potential that breed improvement can deliver. A number of hill flocks are involved in data recording initiatives which will help identify the most profitable animals to breed from.
All of these initiatives should help hill farmers in dealing with the vagaries of the market and in matching specification with market requirements.
