Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021
470. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the role hill farmers have to play in the management of uplands; his views on whether the management of the rewilding of uplands by hill farmers should take precedence over their ability to farm for produce; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25276/21]
View answerThe role of hill farmers is central to the management of the uplands and I, as Minister, wholeheartedly support our upland hill farmers.
Several European Innovation Partnerships which are funded by the Department (Hen Harrier, SUAS, Blackstairs Farming Future, North Connemara Locally Led Agri scheme, Sustainable Agricultural Plan for MacGillycuddy reeks, Inishowen Uplands Farmers project) are focused on piloting the cooperative locally-led approach to the management of these valuable and sensitive areas. The learning from these EIPs will be core to ensuring farmers are rewarded for their role and can continue to manage these resource rich areas.
The Department will continue to support the appropriate management of the uplands and the important role of hill farmers in this regard.
