Written Answers Nos. 259 - 274
259. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment under the organic farming scheme will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8752/15]
View answerThe Organic Farming Scheme payment to the person named is currently being processed and will issue shortly.
260. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the method he will apply to include young farmers in the national reserve, if this is oversubscribed; if he plans on cutting the maximum amount of entitlements allocated to each farmer, or the value of the entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8753/15]
View answerUnder the EU Regulations governing the establishment of the National Reserve, Member States can use up to 3% of the financial ceiling allocated to the Basic Payment Scheme to establish a National Reserve. I decided to opt for the 3% maximum available in order to provide a National Reserve fund of €24.79 million in 2015. The closing date for receipt of applications under the two priority categories of Young Farmer and New Entrant of the National Reserve is 31 March 2015 and the closing date for receipt of applications under the 2nd phase of the National Reserve will be 15 May 2015. It is not possible to estimate the total cost of applications under the National Reserve until after that date. In the event that the National Reserve is oversubscribed, my Department will examine the options available under the relevant EU Regulations.
261. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the price being paid at present for reactor cattle by his Department; the way this relates to the price in 2014; the method by which this price is calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8754/15]
View answerThe main compensation scheme for farmers whose herds are affected by TB is the On-Farm Market Valuation Scheme. Under these arrangements, compensation is payable for cattle removed as reactors. This compensation is based on “Market Value” being the equivalent price that might reasonably have been obtained for the animal, at the time of determination of compensation, from a purchaser in the open market if the animal was not affected by TB. My Department pays to the farmer the difference between the market valuation (determined by independent, qualified valuers) of the animal and the price, known as the salvage price, which he or she receives from the slaughter plant.
In the first 2 months of 2015, the average valuation of TB reactors slaughtered was €1,156 (compared with €1161 for the same period in 2014). The average salvage value received by farmers for the same period in 2015 was €482 (compared with €425 in 2014). Thus, the average amounts paid by my Department (being the difference between the market valuation and the salvage price received by the farmer from the slaughter plant) for reactors to date in 2015 was €674, compared with €735 in 2014.
I am satisfied that, taking account of the payment from my Department and the price received by the herd owner from the slaughter plant, a farmer, at any given time, receives total compensation which adequately reflects the market valuation of the animal as if it were not affected by bovine TB.
262. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the qualification that is required for persons to provide training under the new mandatory training courses for persons wishing to use an agricultural sprayer; the courses that have to be followed to receive this qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8755/15]
View answerThe Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive establishes a framework for European Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides by setting minimum rules to reduce the risks to human health and the environment that are associated with pesticide use. It also promotes the use of integrated pest management. The Directive is designed to further enhance the high level of protection achieved through the entire regulatory system for pesticides. Implementation of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive relies heavily on the training of the various people involved at all levels of the industry, including Professional Users i.e. any individual who applies professional use Plant Protection Products.
My Department recognises the following courses as meeting the standard of training required for Professional Users under the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive:
-FETAC 5N0731 – Handheld Sprayer.
-FETAC 5N1797 – Boom Sprayer.
-City & Guilds PA1 + PA2a – Boom Sprayer.
-City & Guilds PA1 + PA6 – Handheld Sprayer.
In order to become a provider of these courses, an individual must have the programme/course accredited by the relevant Awarding Body, in this case either Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) (the successor to FETAC) or the City and Guilds. In the case of QQI, any provider seeking programme accreditation must first have approval of its Quality Assurance system. Only when this has been achieved can QQI consider an application for validation of any specific programme. Providers are responsible for the development, maintenance, provision and internal quality assurance of their own programmes and must have procedures in place for assessing enrolled learners on those programmes.
263. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cross-compliance and rural environment protection scheme or agri-environment options scheme inspections carried out by Department inspectors in 2014; the number that resulted in no penalty; the number that resulted in a penalty of less than 10%; of between 10% and 50%; of between 50% and 99% per cent; of 100%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8756/15]
View answerThe results of the 2014 Cross Compliance inspections continue to be finalised by my Department. On completion of this process the detailed range of data requested will be forwarded directly to the Deputy. The following table sets out the information to hand in relation to the Agri Environment Options Scheme. A more detailed breakdown will not be available until later in the year when the complete list of files is fully processed.
|
AEOS |
No. |
|
Penalty to be Applied |
352 |
|
Applicants without Penalty |
332 |
|
Awaiting Inspection Results |
364 |
|
Total Selected for Inspection |
1048 |
The following table sets out the position in relation to the Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
|
REPS |
Number |
|
Total number of Inspections |
872 |
|
Resulted in 0% penalty |
571 |
|
Resulted in less than 10% penalty |
247 |
|
Resulted in penalty between 10%-49% |
48 |
|
Resulted in penalty between 50%-99% |
5 |
|
Resulted in penalty of 100% |
1 |
264. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his Department is applying land eligibility penalties, in cases of under-utilisation of agricultural land, instead of applying good agricultural and environmental conditions criteria, based on the severity of under-grazing of the land; if a farmer can be penalised for only using rough grazing on a seasonal basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8760/15]
View answerAll applicants under the Basic Payment Scheme and other area based schemes are obliged to comply with the land eligibility requirements of the Direct Payments regime. Under the Cross Compliance provisions an applicant must also comply with the Statutory Management Requirements and the Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) standards. GAEC provides for compliance with seven standards. These standards include, where applicable, the establishment of buffer strips, the use of water for irrigation, the prevention of ground water pollution, maintaining minimum ground cover, limiting soil erosion, maintaining soil organic matter and the retention of landscape features such as hedges and ditches. Under the provisions of the reformed CAP Regime it is not possible to apply a GAEC standard sanction to applicants for the under-utilisation of land, as this is an eligibility issue.
Applicants under the Direct Payment Scheme are required to conduct a sufficient level of agricultural activity on all lands declared for aid. Such activities include the production, rearing or growing of agricultural products, including harvesting, milking, breeding animals, and keeping animals for farming purposes, maintaining an agricultural area in a state which makes it suitable for grazing or cultivation and carrying out a minimum activity, on agricultural areas naturally kept in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation.
265. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a payment under the agri-environment options scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; when is it likely that this payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8789/15]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 2) with effect from 1 September 2011 and payment has issued in respect of the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Scheme years.
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 was selected for a ground inspection which took place on 25 June 2014. During this inspection an issue arose in relation to two parcels of land inspected and lease documentation for the land claimed. My Department has been in direct contact with the person named regarding this issue. Once successfully resolved, the application will be processed for payment in respect of the 2014 Scheme year.
266. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person who is currently subject to a contract under the rural environment protection scheme transfers ownership of land to a son, whether that person will be deemed to have broken the contract, or whether the contract will continue in place with the new farmer. [8803/15]
View answerIn a situation such as this, a contract can be transferred to a son provided the son is willing to continue the contract to its natural end. However, the son must hold a herd number in his own right and would also have to submit a new acceptable REPS plan to the local Office. If the new plan was deemed acceptable to the Department then the contract would be allowed to continue under the son.
268. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments under the rural environment protection scheme and the single payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8860/15]
View answerThe person named submitted a 2014 Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas scheme application on 15 May 2014. EU Regulations governing the administration of the Single Payment Scheme requires that in order to activate payment under the scheme an applicant must have one eligible hectare of land to accompany each entitlement held. As the person named does not currently hold any entitlements, no payment is due in respect of the 2014 Single Payment Scheme.
The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2009 and received payments for the first five years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the 2007-2013 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. This process has now been completed and the 2014 REPS payment is now being processed with a view to payment at the earliest possible opportunity.
269. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the contents of an open letter to him, dated 19 February 2015, from the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association, which is supported by 21 other organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8887/15]
View answerI can confirm that correspondence was recently received from the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association on the issue of land eligibility under the Direct Payment Schemes. My Department makes payments in excess of €1.5 billion annually to over 130,000 farmers in Ireland under EU funded or partially funded Direct Aid Schemes. Therefore, it is important that the provisions of the governing EU Regulations are adhered to in the application of these Schemes.
I can also confirm that in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2014 and of other relevant regulations, Member States may decide that land which can be grazed and which forms part of established local practices where grasses and other herbaceous forage are traditionally not predominant in grazing areas is to be considered to be permanent grassland. The areas as described, excluding established scrub and ungrazed heather will, in general terms, be eligible under the Basic Payment Scheme provided there is evidence of an agricultural activity being carried out. In reality, such areas were already eligible in Ireland under the Single Payment Scheme provided that there was a farming activity on the land and this remains the position under the Basic Payment Scheme. The agricultural activity required must be appropriate to the type of land involved and should ensure that the area eligible for payment remains in this state.
270. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration is being given to providing a grant for a fodder growing system for organic farmers; the grants available to organic farmers at present to help with their costs, or if other grants will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8893/15]
View answerThe fodder production system referred to is currently being promoted as an economically viable system of producing fodder or overcoming fodder shortages on organic livestock farms. The economics and application of such a production system, however, have to be carefully examined. I am advised by my Department that the accepted comparison of feed is based on dry matter equivalents. A feed with 90% water, as in the case of sprouted grain central to the production system referred to, has considerably less feed value than the grain itself with 5% water, on a weight for weight basis. Furthermore, I am advised that research has shown that there is a net loss of dry matter over the sprouting/growing period of in excess of 20%.
In light of the above therefore, I have no plans to grant aid the production system referred to at this time.
As regards other supports for Organic farmers, a greatly enhanced Organic Farming Scheme is proposed under the new Rural Development Programme, incorporating significantly increased rates of aid, and including assistance for the growing of Red Clover as an organic fodder crop. In addition, I propose to introduce a new Capital Grant Scheme to assist organic farmers in the purchase of equipment and machinery.
271. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if under the European Union legislation on the agri-environment options scheme or single payment scheme, whereby payments are split, persons are entitled to receive the first 75% on the agri-environment options scheme or 50% on the single payment scheme, regardless of whether their file is under inspection or not. [8894/15]
View answerEU Regulations governing the Basic Payment Scheme, formerly the Single Payment Scheme, requires the Department to carry out administrative checks to verify that the eligibility conditions for aid have been met. The regulations also require that these administrative checks be supplemented by on-the-spots checks, i.e. ground and/or remote sensing inspections. Furthermore the regulations state that payments due under the scheme shall not be made before the verification of the eligibility conditions have been finalised. Therefore, in relation to Basic Payment Scheme, where an individual application has been selected for an eligibility inspection no payment can issue to the applicant until the inspection has been completed and the results are fully processed.
Area-based schemes under the Rural Development Programme, 2007-13, are subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications, including cross checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, to be completed before payments can issue. These procedures, together with on-farm inspections, apply to a number of scheme payments including the Agri-environment Options Scheme (AEOS), and are necessary to ensure that applications meet the scheme conditions and cross-compliance requirements.
All AEOS 1, 2 and 3 applicants who are eligible to receive a payment in a particular Scheme year have to be subjected to a full administrative check before the first phase of payment (75%) can be released. The balancing payment of 25% is issued when all of the required control inspections are completed which is again laid out in the EU governing regulations.
272. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payments under the disadvantaged areas scheme; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8896/15]
View answerThe person named was one of a number of applicants under the 2012, 2013 and 2014 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, whose cases are impacted by the requirement of a minimum stocking density of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011 and who applied for and was refused for derogation in this regard. The person named was notified of the outcome in writing and advised of the option to appeal to the Agricultural Appeals Committee should she so wish.
273. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a submission concerning organic farming; his plans to address the issues outlined; if he has had any meetings, or is proposing to have any meetings, with the relevant representative bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8904/15]
View answerThe fodder production system referred to is currently being promoted as an economically viable system of producing fodder or overcoming fodder shortages on organic livestock farms. The economics and application of such a production system, however, have to be carefully examined. I am advised by my Department that the accepted comparison of feed is based on dry matter equivalents. A feed with 90% water, as in the case of sprouted grain central to the production system referred to, has considerably less feed value than the grain itself with 5% water, on a weight for weight basis. Furthermore, I am advised that research has shown that there is a net loss of dry matter over the sprouting/growing period of in excess of 20%.
In light of the above therefore, I have no plans to grant aid the production system referred to at this time.
274. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding payments under the disadvantaged areas scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8924/15]
View answerThe person named was one of a number of applicants under the 2012, 2013 and 2014 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, whose cases were impacted by the requirement to have had a minimum stocking density of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011. My Department wrote to all concerned applicants in August 2012 giving them the opportunity to seek derogation from this requirement. Following previous enquiries, an official from my Department arranged for the re-issue of the derogation application to the person named. To date, my Department has no record of receiving a completed derogation application from the person named.
