Written Answers Nos. 34-44
34. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 27 June 2018, if the yearly inspections are monthly; the reason for the difference between a yearly average of 11.7 inspections; if there has just been one inspection in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31061/18]
View answerFurther to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 27 June 2018 the following inspections were carried out from 2015 to date:
|
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
12 |
12 |
11 |
1 |
Inspections are carried out throughout the course of the year and are scheduled to be conducted as part of the overall inspection and control system for fur farms. As this is only July, further inspections will be undertaken before the end of 2018.
35. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans and the supports in place to support farmers to feed their livestock; if a group (details supplied) has discussed farmers' concerns that if recent weather persists there will be another fodder crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31074/18]
View answerUndoubtedly the recent series of weather-related events have highlighted the importance of ensuring that farmers conserve adequate supplies of fodder to deal with the vagaries of our winters. Specifically in terms of supports, I introduced two measures to support the availability of fodder to affected farmers in response to fodder shortages earlier this spring and last winter caused by prolonged wet and cold weather.
However, to avoid a similar situation arising again and to learn from the lessons of last winter I formed a representative group chaired by Teagasc including stakeholders such as Co-ops, banks, farm bodies, amongst others, to coordinate advisory messages to farmers this summer around replenishing stocks that have been used up and also to manage grazing and fodder through this extended period of extraordinarily dry weather. This group will continue to meet, particularly during this difficult period, until I am fully satisfied that the issue of securing adequate fodder supplies for next winter has been fully addressed.
As a further initiative, I launched a national fodder census on the 26th June to be compiled by Teagasc through its client network as well as clients of the other fodder group stakeholders, with another census planned for the 1st September. The aim of the census is to monitor and measure the levels of fodder in the country and will inform further actions that may be necessary this autumn.
Detailed agronomic advice is being coordinated and communicated to farmers by the bodies represented on the Fodder Group, including through our own social media account.
In addition Teagasc has established a dedicated helpline to provide advice to farmers affected by the ongoing drought. This is being supplemented by a series of local meetings/clinics where farmers can obtain direct support from Teagasc advisors on the spot. The helpline will operate daily from 9 am to 9 pm - 087 7971377.
This helpline service and local clinics are open to all farmers, including non-Teagasc clients.
Co-ops and feed compounders represented on the group have increased feed output to meet demand.
Banking institutions in the group have announced the availability of working capital and are working closely with farmer customers on effective financial planning to see them through the current difficult spell.
Finally, I firmly believe that farmers should have access to measures that improve their resilience to weather related events and enable them to take appropriate preventative actions. To this end I have asked my officials to examine all available risk management tools to determine which may be most appropriate to the farming sector.
36. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to ensure that mink caged at fur farms have adequate access to water for both cooling down and drinking during seasonal weather with above average temperatures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31057/18]
View answerMy Department has statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals under the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations, 2010(Statutory Instrument No 311/2010) and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. Irish fur farmers are subject to the same animal welfare legislation as any other livestock farmer. There are currently a total of three operators in Ireland licensed to keep mink.
As with all livestock areas within the Agri-sector the prolonged hot dry spell has presented challenges that are being alleviated by good stockmanship and planning.
My Department continue to remind all those responsible for animals that they must ensure an adequate supply of water is provided.
There has been an unannounced inspection carried out during this warm weather on one of the Irish farms and no welfare issues were raised. My Department will continue to carry out inspections both planned and unplanned on the facilities in question.
37. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if information from the local authorities and an organisation (details supplied) on reports they receive and act on annually related to the welfare of greyhounds is collated by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31059/18]
View answerBord na gCon liaises with Local Authorities, with welfare organisations, and with my Department on welfare matters relating to greyhounds. All matters reported are investigated by officers of Bord na gCon under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011. These arrangements are working well.
I should add that two officers of Bord na gCon have recently been authorised under the Animal Health and Welfare Act of 2013 in order to complement their work in the welfare sphere. The welfare of greyhounds continues to be treated very seriously by both my Department and Bord na gCon.
38. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he continues to liaise with the agrifood sector with a view to ensuring its strength and sustainability in the context of opening up new markets abroad as required in the wake of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31088/18]
View answerThe pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agrifood exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agrifood sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Indeed, this is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU, which presents significant new challenges for the agrifood sector in particular.
As the Deputy may be aware, I chair the Food Wise 2025 High Level Implementation Committee involving senior officials from relevant Departments and State agencies. The Committee meets quarterly to review progress, as well as engaging with stakeholders on key topics. This collaborative approach has given a strength and depth to the strategic focus of Food Wise 2025, and this will be particularly important in responding to the challenge of Brexit. I also engage with stakeholders on Brexit-related issues through the Brexit Stakeholder Consultative Committee and the All-Island Civic Dialogue process.
Food Wise 2025 also outlines the huge potential for growth in agrifood exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Gulf region. This is where our efforts will be focused for the foreseeable future, particularly given the need to diversify our markets and to reduce our reliance on traditional destinations such as the UK.
Significant steps forward have been taken in opening new markets and in developing trade in existing markets for Irish agrifood exporters in the last three years alone.
In 2015 Ireland gained access to the US and Canadian markets for Irish beef. In the same year we attained access to the Omani market for Irish beef and sheepmeat. In 2016 we gained access to the Maldives for beef, sheepmeat, pigmeat and poultrymeat. We also gained access to the Iranian market for sheepmeat, and we regained access to the Israeli market for beef. In 2017, the market in Egypt was re-opened to Irish beef and we got access to the Chilean market for Irish pork. The news that we had achieved access to the hugely important Chinese market for beef in April 2018 was of course most welcome. Consumer demand for premium imported beef is forecast to rise significantly, driven by increasing urbanisation, higher disposable incomes and health awareness. The import of frozen boneless beef, the category for which Ireland will have market access, has grown ninefold within the last five years.
On the dairy front, Ireland exported over €4.5billion in dairy products to nearly 130 countries in 2017. Against the backdrop of EU-agreed trade deals such as those completed with Canada and Japan, which will benefit this sector, my Department continues to prioritise efforts to gain access to new third country markets and, equally importantly, to deepen existing markets for Irish dairy products. In many instances such efforts are on foot of Ministerial led trade missions.
It is notable that CSO data for the first quarter of 2018 showed that Irish dairy exports were nearly 10% ahead of the same period in 2016. This was due to factors such as improving global prices, but also increases in volumes exported across a range of product categories.
More generally, the value of exports to emerging markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central/South America stood at almost €2.8 billion in 2017. The value of trade to these markets has increased by 159% since 2009, and now accounts for over 20% of total agrifood exports. This growth has been led by Asia, with exports of €1.6 billion in 2017, of which around €1 billion went to China. Exports to other Asian markets grew by 85% since 2012 to €659 million in 2017.
Trade to Africa has also grown to €606 million, while exports to the Middle East have also grown significantly.
From a practical perspective, my Department and its agencies have a strong global footprint which is primarily aimed at facilitating growth in the trade of agrifood products with countries around the world.
For example, my Department maintains a network of agriculture attachés both within the EU, but also increasingly in countries with whom we are seeking to further develop our trading links, such as the United States of America, the Gulf Region and China. We also work closely with Bord Bia in developing international markets through its network of offices around the world, which it has recently expanded to include a presence in Singapore and in Warsaw. We work very effectively together, and with the relevant authorities, in progressing market access issues and organising trade missions aimed at promoting and supporting the export of Irish agrifood products.
The role of trade missions cannot be underestimated in gaining further market penetration for Irish agri food products to new and existing markets. I led a series of very successful trade missions in 2017. Destinations included the Gulf States, US, Mexico, Japan and South Korea. In the case of the latter two, this was an ideal opportunity to exploit the benefits to be derived from the EU's recent trade and economic partnership agreements with South Korea and Japan.
This work has continued in 2018. I have already led trade missions to the US, Canada and China, and my Department is currently making arrangements with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland for a further trade mission in the last quarter of 2018 to Indonesia and Malaysia. Again this will include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as high level political discussions. Both of these markets had been identified by my Department as offering huge potential to the Irish agri-food sector.
These and the other missions that my Department are planning will serve to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in these destinations. It will also promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products.
The destinations are also in keeping with the recent market profiling exercise that was completed by Bord Bia at my request. This exercise identified opportunities in new and more mature markets, and will provide valuable market intelligence both for industry operators and policy makers.
My Department will continue to seek out and identify new markets, and I am ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.
39. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it will be ensured that farmers do not incur an additional cost after year one of the announced EID system for sheep later in 2018; and the level of consultation he had with farmer organisations on this matter in order to proceed with this measure. [31069/18]
View answerI announced in the Press Release on 2 May 2018 on the extension of EID to all sheep that I would introduce a financial support of up to €50 per farmer for the first order of electronic tags as a one off measure in the first year of the extension of EID to all sheep.
Since then, both myself and my officials have met with the stakeholders in the sheep industry and engaged in consultation on the implementation of EID. A number of submissions have also been made on the matter and I am considering these proposals, and expect to be in a position to respond soon on the matter.
My Department engaged in a very comprehensive consultation process with the stakeholders in 2015 on the review of the arrangements on implementation of the National Sheep Identification System.
A Working Group was established to:
- examine the effectiveness of the National Sheep Identification System (NSIS);
- discuss the possibility of extending the role of EID to sheep moving from the holding of origin other than directly to slaughter or to all sheep; and
- develop proposals to improve and simplify the traceability system.
Stakeholders were offered the opportunity also to make written submissions and to outline their proposals to improve and simplify the traceability system at the meetings. All points made at meetings and written submissions were considered by DAFM.
Furthermore stakeholders were afforded an opportunity to discuss pertinent issues during the development of the Sheep Welfare Scheme.
Since the announcement of the extension of EID to all sheep, I or my officials have continued to engage with stakeholders and on the implementation of EID. I will consider the views of all stakeholders including the views provided in submissions made and expect to respond soon on the matter.
40. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to ensure that good animals are not being dismissed under the technicalities of the BDGP scheme; the further steps he is taking to ensure that the skill of assessing an animal by eye (details supplied) is not being dismissed by the technicalities of the BDGP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31482/18]
View answerThe Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) forms an integral part of my Department's current Rural Development Programme (2014-2020). The BDGP is the current main support for the suckler sector and will provide farmers with some €300 million of funding over six years.
It was introduced by my Department with the clear and stated objective of using bovine genetics to address the progressive decline in key maternal traits within Ireland's suckler herd. The scheme aims to improve the profitability of the sector and reduce the carbon footprint of the herd. This is being achieved through the use of objective metrics which ensures consistency in evaluation of animals in terms of genetic merit. Currently there are 24,763 participants between BDGP I and II and a total of €42.8 million has been paid to participants for 2017 already.
The scheme's effectiveness is based on enhancing the genetic merits of the national suckler herd through clearly defined objective metrics for participants in the scheme. Key metrics such as the number of calves per cow per year, the calving interval, and age at first calving, docility, size and vitality, along with the prevalence of conditions such as scour and pneumonia are measured against agreed criteria. One of the most notable examples is the number of calves per cow per year, which has moved from 0.80 in 2014 to 0.87 for 2017; which across the entirety of the scheme herds represents an additional 40,000 calves for sale, with a weanling output value of some €30m to the participating beef farmers.
After years of decline in key maternal traits, genetic trend for replacement index has now turned around and is generating significant additional gains for participating beef farmers. Additionally, important validation work undertaken by Teagasc and the Irish Cattle and Breeding Federation (ICBF) on 46 participating commercial beef farms over the past 3 years has confirmed that 5 star cows are more fertile, lighter (thereby requiring less feed), produce more milk (a heavier weanling) and overall produce a heavier carcass for beef farmers. In effect the key metrics of the scheme have provided clear evidence that cattle in the BDGP schemes are producing more benefits from less resources. This is consistent with the key objectives of the scheme, which is to breed more profitable and climate efficient cattle.
On this basis, I believe the scheme is an excellent example of utilising empirical evidence to enhance the quality and sustainability of the national herd.
41. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the cost of electronic sheep tagging will be reviewed in order that the sheep farmers do not have to carry the entire cost of tagging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31460/18]
View answerThe Minister announced the extension of EID to all sheep on 2 May 2018 whereby all sheep sold from 1st October 2018 must be identified electronically. Lambs moving directly to slaughter from the holding of birth will require a single electronic (EID) tag and all other sheep require a full EID tag / bolus set. In relation to the cost of EID, I have proposed a one-off tag subsidy scheme with a maximum payment of €50 to farmers on their first purchase of electronic tags. This will apply in addition to the inclusion of EID readers as eligible investments under TAMS.
Meanwhile, my officials or I have met with the stakeholders in the sheep industry and engaged in consultation on the implementation of EID. A number of submissions have been made on the matter and I will consider the views expressed by all parties and expect to be in a position to respond soon.
42. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the preparatory work that has been done on the way in which the trade of livestock across the Border will work in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31448/18]
View answerBrexit has the potential to have a very significant impact on the agri-food sector throughout Ireland, including livestock trade along the border region.
As the Deputy will be aware, the agri-food sector, including the livestock sector, is of critical importance to the Irish economy, and its regional spread means it underpins the socio-economic development of rural Ireland.
The primary means through which the Government is seeking to minimise the impact of Brexit in a border context is through a negotiated outcome which permits cross-border trade to continue without impediment. In this regard, the UK commitment, in the Joint EU-UK Report of last December, to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, was extremely important.
Ensuring that the UK gives effect to this commitment is now a significant focus of the Irish Government, and we have the full support of our EU partners and of the European Commission Task Force in this regard. The so-called 'backstop' text that the EU has proposed in the draft Withdrawal Agreement provides certainty that in any circumstances, and no matter what the outcome of the negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and UK, there will be no hard border on the island of Ireland Our preference is still for an overall EU-UK relationship which would resolve all issues, but it remains essential that a backstop is agreed which provides such certainty.
Live exports are, of course, an important component of Ireland’s livestock industry. I am conscious of the vital role they play in stimulating price competition, and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers.
It is useful also to point out that movement of cattle between EU Member States is itself subject to a number of conditions. Animals must be properly identified, undergo a veterinary inspection, be fit to travel, and be accompanied by an Intra-Community Trade Animal Health Certificate (ITAHC), issued under the EU TRACES system by my Department. Cattle are usually exported from approved assembly centres and must complete a 30-day residency period on a holding (this does not apply to cattle for slaughter) and a TB test prior to export.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government remains very focused on supporting farmers and the agri-food industry through the challenges ahead. It will be firm in arguing that any agreement reached between the EU and the UK must take account of the very serious challenges presented by Brexit for the sector, particularly given the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland and the importance of our economic relationship with the UK. And of course ultimately Ireland's objective in the negotiations is to have a trading relationship with the UK which is as close as possible to the current arrangement.
43. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1215 and 1216 of 16 January 2018, the outcome of his officials' engagement with an organisation (details supplied); if the code of conduct is being updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31062/18]
View answerOfficials from my Department met with a number of senior members of the organisation in May 2018. The incidents involving a small number of hunts reported in the media earlier this year were discussed. The need to strengthen the existing Code Of Practice in order to avoid such incidents where hounds entered housing estates or ran onto major roads was the key issue discussed. The organisation in question are to examine the existing Code with a view to updating and strengthening it.
44. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the involvement his Department has for the development of alternative forestry strategies to assist the development and creation of jobs in rural areas and avoid isolation in rural communities in view the recent concerns relating to the concentration of new forestation in counties such as County Leitrim. [25903/18]
View answerThere are no county by county or regional targets for forestry planting in Ireland. The grants and premiums offered by my Department’s afforestation scheme are available to all landowners regardless of which county they are located. My Department has funded afforestation in every county in Ireland.
It is important that farmers in particular have the opportunity to improve their incomes by choosing forestry as a land use option on their farms. The sector as a whole already makes a positive contribution across the country supporting 12,000 jobs in various activities such as planting, harvesting, transportation and processing. Most of these jobs are located in rural areas where attracting direct investment can be more challenging. In 2017 it is estimated that private forest owners received in the region of €25m in revenues from timber sales and almost €67million in forest premium payments. The cycle of economic activity continues into the next rotation as clear-felled forests are replanted.
According to the All Ireland Roundwood Forecast 2016 – 2035 output from Irish forests is expected to double over the coming decades to 8 million cubic metres. Most of this increased production will come from private forest owners. The key to creating additional forestry jobs in rural communities is the mobilisation of this timber in the years to come. This will allow the sector to grow existing markets and establish new markets; most importantly with the proper support in terms of research and development new products can be developed adding value to this indigenous raw material. There are, however, several barriers to getting this timber to market and the Department has been particularly active in this area. These barriers include the need to build more forest roads and a lack of forest management knowledge amongst many private forest owners.
To address these barriers, the midterm review increased the level of support for building forest roads and improved the grant scheme that encourages forest owners to thin their broadleaf forests. A new scheme establishing a network of knowledge transfer groups for forestry, is due to be launched shortly following a successful pilot. The aim of this initiative is to empower forest owners with the knowledge to actively manage their forests.
Development of new markets at home and abroad for new added value wood products will also lead to job creation across the sector. To this end my Department through COFORD launched its vision for moving the utilisation of timber up the value chain in its document entitled “Growing the Irish Forest Bioeconomy ”. My Department’s support for the bioeconomy is also demonstrated through its funding of research in this area. For example the Innovation in Irish Timber Usage project (IITU) investigated the potential for new add-value timber construction products such as Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) reinforced timber and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT).
There is no doubt that there is significant potential to create further employment in the forestry sector across the country including in County Leitrim. The key to doing so is the mobilisation of the existing timber resource, expanding and creating new markets for Irish timber and supporting innovation in product development.
