Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
805. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will seek to incentivise as best as possible, the use of traditional and more environmentally friendly grass types such as cocksfoot, timothy and sweet vernal grass on farms (details supplied). [31618/20]
View answerThe current agri-environment scheme GLAS (Green, Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme) includes two actions which specifically support permanent pasture which is managed to promote a more diverse sward. The Low Input Permanent Pasture Action has been taken up by over 36,000 herds and covers over 250,000 hectares. This objective of this action is to promote a more diverse sward through appropriate grazing levels and restriction on pesticide and fertiliser use.
The Tradition Hay Meadow Action incentivises the traditional method of hay making which promotes a more diverse sward including traditional grass types. The GLAS action has been taken up by over 15,000 herds and covers over 60,000 hectares. In addition to these two actions, GLAS includes a Natura 2000 action whereby land within a Natura 2000 designated site receives a payment for sustainable management of the site which protects and supports vulnerable habitats such as semi-natural grasslands and wetlands.
My Department has also supported ongoing research in the growing area of multi-species swards (MSS) such as the SMART Grass project which was conducted by UCD. Teagasc are currently researching MSS and further research is being undertaken again by UCD and in conjunction with the work of the Devenish Nutrition and the Global Innovation Centre. This research aims to demonstrates the benefits of a move away from a monoculture of perennial rye grass to introducing a mix species sward which includes several grass types (for example timothy and cocksfoot and along with legumes and herbs) in order to reduce Nitrogen inputs and deliver other environmental benefits. DAFM are following this research closely and the results will be considered in the design of schemes and measures for the next Common Agricultural Policy.
