Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2021
302. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to fulfil the Programme for Government commitment to carry out a baseline biodiversity survey on every farm to inform future policy development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25149/21]
View answerAs part of budget 2021, funding of €5 million has been dedicated to develop a pilot 'Farm Environmental Study' programme in 2021. The Pilot Farm Environmental Study Programme will begin the process of developing a national baseline database of farm scale habitat and biodiversity data along with additional environmental parameters. The Department is at an advanced stage in finalising the tender to implement this programme in 2021.
The Pilot Farm Environmental Study is an integral part of measures that were introduced as part of Budget 2021 and is central to delivering benefits for Biodiversity, Water and Climate in this country.
