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Thursday, 20 May 2021

Written Answers Nos. 35-55

Common Agricultural Policy

Questions (35)

Denis Naughten

Question:

35. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the GAEC 2 proposal in the new CAP; if he will guarantee that this land continues to be viewed as eligible agricultural land under CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26495/21]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAECs) are standards for the maintenance of land and they form part of the standards that all farmers in receipt of CAP Payments are obliged to comply with.

Under the next CAP, a new GAEC will be introduced for the protection of wetland and peatland (proposed GAEC 2). The main objective of proposed GAEC 2 is the "protection of carbon-rich soils" to avoid degradation of existing peatland and wetland areas.

Both the European Council and the Parliament have proposed changes to the Commission’s original proposed wording for GAEC 2. Trilogue discussions on the matter still ongoing.

In designing GAEC 2 requirements, Member States have to take account of local needs, conditions and the specificities of the local/regional agricultural environment. Ireland’s requirements for GAEC 2 are still being considered, in consultation with stakeholders. Notwithstanding this, I want to be very clear that GAEC 2 land will retain its potential to be considered eligible agricultural area.

This is important not only from a farming perspective, but also from the point of view of leaving space to facilitate and reward additional voluntary practices on these soils through either annual eco-schemes or multi-annual agri-environmental and climate measures under the new CAP. In some cases, continued appropriate farming of these lands will also be important from a biodiversity perspective.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (36)

Colm Burke

Question:

36. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to making resources available in order that all farmers that have applied to the REAP scheme which opened in the past number of weeks for applications and had by its closing date 11,000 applications from farmers will be accepted into the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27026/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Programme for Government commits to rewarding farmers for adapting to more sustainable methods of farming and to the development of a new agri-environment scheme capable of delivering broad environmental and biodiversity benefits that will align financial supports with climate objectives. To advance this aim, a small pilot project, the Results-Based Environmental Agri Pilot Project (REAP) opened for applications on 21st April.

REAP is an innovative, ambitious and farmer-friendly pilot that will deliver an important income boost to participating farmers. While the project will support our environmental objectives, it will also support farm incomes by providing up to €12,600 to participating farms over the term of their REAP contract. It is a targeted measure for farmers not currently participating in other agri-environment schemes.

The application stage is now closed and I’m delighted with the level of interest shown with 10,800 applications submitted from 455 advisors. REAP will be funded from the technical assistance budget of the Rural Development Programme, subject to EU Commission approval of the 10th amendment. My officials are now in contact with the European Commission seeking advice in relation to determining the number of applicants that may be permitted to be accepted into the project. I have also written tot the European Commissioner directly on the matter.

Pending any developments with the EU Commission, a ranking and selection process will take place to decide the applications that are accepted. The details of this process are outlined in the terms and conditions. All successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by the Department in writing regarding their application for REAP.

Trade Promotion

Questions (37)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

37. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied that adequate alternative provision is being made for Irish exports abroad to compensate for any losses arising from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26973/21]

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Written answers

Developing increased trade opportunities continues to be an integral part of my Department’s response to the challenges posed by Brexit.

The key challenge here is to continue to maximise the volume and value of Irish agri-food exports to all destinations, and to anticipate and, as best we can, mitigate the potential impact of adverse developments in trading patterns. This requires a two-handed approach, comprised of support for our existing and potential future UK trade, as well as further development and diversification in EU and third country markets.

Encouragingly, despite an extremely challenging year, exports totalled €14.3 billion in 2020, with approximately one third of exports going to each of the UK, other EU markets and other international markets.

The Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached by the EU and the UK provides for zero tariffs and quotas, and is a welcome development given the highly integrated Ireland-UK supply chains and the value of trade in both directions. It will assist Irish exporters to maintain their UK market share, and to remain competitive against third country imports to the UK.

The Department has also been active in the development of third country markets through Trade Missions, which were carried out virtually in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also continuing to work on the opportunities provided by recent EU Free Trade Agreements with third countries, and to press for the removal of technical market access barriers across a range of third country markets.

Inshore Fisheries

Questions (38)

Holly Cairns

Question:

38. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports put in place for inshore fishers whose capacity to fish is restricted by the different stages of the preparation and construction of offshore renewable energy projects. [26915/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department's €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme 2014-2020 is the principal source of public funding for the sustainable development of our fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors. The Programme is delivered through a range of support schemes. Financial supports are available to our inshore fishing sector for capital investment on board and ashore, for training and for organisation and capacity building within the sector, while State bodies provide a range of services to the inshore fleet including advisory services and stock conservation supports.

Action on climate change is of the utmost importance to Government and offshore renewables can play an important role in that. I understand that the development of offshore renewables may raise some concerns for the Seafood Sector. The National Marine Planning Framework process, coordinated by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has a key role to play in balancing these different demands on our maritime space.

I have not received any specific proposals from representatives of our seafood sector identifying any particular losses incurred in connection with the development of offshore renewables or making any case for financial supports in this connection. In addition, there is no particular provision of the EMFF Regulation that would appear to provide a legal basis for any form of aid in this connection.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (39, 43)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

39. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the need for Irish agri-food processing companies to diversify from their dependence on the UK market in a post-Brexit era; his views on new market and value added opportunities for Irish food produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26941/21]

View answer

David Stanton

Question:

43. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the new market possibilities and value-added opportunities for Irish food producers in the post-Brexit era given the dependence of the Irish agri-food sector on the UK market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26783/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 43 together.

Developing and increasing third country market access and furthering trade opportunities abroad are integral parts of the Department’s response to the challenges of Brexit. These goals are aligned with the strategic market development theme of Food Wise 2025.

Our agri-food export footprint has increased considerably due to our continued focus on market expansion. I believe there is tremendous potential for all sectors of our industry to grow in a post-Brexit era, particularly our food processing industries, with opportunities in new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Gulf region. Nevertheless, the UK remains a priority market for growth, even in a post-Brexit era.

My Department and its agencies have invested hugely in this work, and it is heartening to have seen Irish agri-food exports in 2020 valued at €14.3 billion, which was in itself an exceptional performance given the Covid-19 pandemic. Bord Bia has indicated that half of recent growth has come from markets outside Europe.

Key areas that we have focused on in this regard have been:

- the development of third country markets, for example through Trade Missions - which were carried out virtually in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic;

- the leveraging of opportunities provided by EU Free Trade Agreements with third countries, and

- ongoing work to remove technical market access barriers across a range of third country markets.

The Department also commissioned Bord Bia to undertake a market profiling exercise for potential third country and EU markets for Irish exports. This is proving to be an invaluable tool for Irish exporters and for the Department and its agencies in determining our strategic priorities.

This Government's commitment to new market development has also been illustrated by the appointment of my colleague, Martin Heydon T.D., as Minister of State with specific responsibility for this task.

Proposed Legislation

Questions (40)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

40. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce legislation to ensure primary producers are paid costs plus a margin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27007/21]

View answer

Written answers

I have acknowledged the importance of transparency in the market for primary producers and the Department is progressing several initiatives to increase transparency, in particular the establishment of a new Office, to be called the National Food Ombudsman or similar. The additional powers to be assigned to the new Office by primary legislation, going beyond those in the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive, are currently the subject of a public consultation.

This new Office will have a specific role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland. As the Deputy will be aware, the Department and Bord Bia already publishes a wide range of price and comparative market data on a weekly basis.

As for legislation in relation to price determination, the price paid for goods is a matter between buyers and sellers and a function of supply and demand. In the context of food production, the costs of production differ substantially between individual producers. Similarly, the cost of processing, marketing and transport, the market price obtained for processed food, and the margin considered necessary to keep the business going, are all factors taken into account in the context of price determination. These are matters for commercial operators to determine.

It would, of course, be extraordinarily short sighted for processors not to take account of the viability of their suppliers in determining pricing policy, but price cannot be determined by the State.

It is, however, possible to strengthen the position of sellers in the market place by supporting collective action through producer organisations, by improving transparency and by prohibiting unfair trading practices and the Department is taking action in all of these areas.

Common Agricultural Policy

Questions (41)

Dara Calleary

Question:

41. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding proposals for uplands and commonage in the CAP negotiations; and if he will give an assurance to protect the income of hill farmers. [27009/21]

View answer

Written answers

The European Commission put forward its legislative proposals for the new Common Agricultural Policy to the European Parliament and to the Council of Ministers in June 2018. Following more than two years of negotiations, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers both adopted their respective positions on the proposals in October 2020.

Trilogue negotiations between the Commission, European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, which are aimed at reaching a final shared agreement on the shape of the new CAP, commenced at the end of 2020. These negotiations are ongoing. The final agreement on the CAP is dependent on the outcome of the trilogue process.

My officials and I are examining all aspects of the evolving CAP proposals to assess their potential impact on all farmers. In addition, there is ongoing consultation with stakeholders on the proposals, including through the CAP Consultative Committee, which involves 27 different stakeholder groups, including those representing hill farmers. This consultation will continue as Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan is developed.

The position I am taking in the negotiations is that it is vital for Member States to retain as much subsidiarity as possible to allow them best address their identified needs within the CAP Strategic Plan. I am actively working with my European counterparts to achieve this goal, and to secure the best possible outcome for all Irish farmers, including our hill farmers.

I, along with this Government, unashamedly support hill farming in the short and medium term.

Horticulture Sector

Questions (42)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

42. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to support the mushroom and broader horticultural sectors in view of ongoing challenges as a result of Government policy pertaining to the sector. [26925/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Department provides a support to the horticulture industry through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Horticulture Sector. Financial support is available to assist growers and businesses through grant aid for capital investments in specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production. A 50% budget increase to €9 million has been secured for 2021 reflecting the importance of the sector. This Scheme is 100% funded by the Irish Government.

In addition, the Department administers the EU Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables which allows growers jointly market their production in order to strengthen the position of producers in the marketplace.

Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 39.

Climate Change Policy

Questions (44)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department continues to ensure the future of the agri-food sector in the aftermath of Brexit and notwithstanding carbon reduction targets; the degree to which he has identified opportunities for the meeting of such targets while minimising the impact on production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26974/21]

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Written answers

On 14th April, I published my Department's Statement of Strategy 2021-2024 alongside an Action Plan for 2021, which outlines 75 actions to further develop a sustainable, innovative and competitive agri-food, forestry and seafood sector. The Action Plan will build on significant work already underway by the Department, including:

1. Continuing to provide vital supports to the farmers, fishers and foresters which are the lifeblood of a balanced economy.

2. Finalising and publishing a new 10-year Strategy for the agri-food sector - delivering on a key commitment of the Programme for Government, which called for an ambitious blueprint for the sector.

3. Developing Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan.

4. Designing, developing and commencing new transitional schemes for 2021 including an Agri-Environment results-based Pilot Project which rewards farmers for committed environmental effort by linking payments to the quality of environmental outcomes delivered.

5. Implementing Ireland’s first over-arching Animal Welfare Strategy.

6. Working to develop initiatives and policies to underpin and support farm and fisher incomes.

The Department makes direct payments to Irish farmers of almost €1.9 billion annually, under CAP and national schemes. In addition, it funds research, advisory and training supports which directly benefit Irish farmers, and, along with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, co-funds a number of preferential loan schemes to the benefit of primary producers. Farmers also benefit significantly from a range of agri-taxation measures, which are particularly focused to support land mobility and generational renewal.

On climate, I launched a National ‘Climate & Air Roadmap’ for the Agriculture Sector entitled “Ag Climatise” on 9th December 2020. The roadmap sets an ambitious vision for a ‘climate neutral agriculture sector by 2050’ and includes 29 actions with specific and challenging targets aimed at reducing the environmental footprint and further building on the strong credentials of Irish agriculture.

The draft agri-food Strategy for 2030 was recently launched for public consultation on the Strategy itself and its environmental assessment. The public consultation will remain open until 15th June.

Brexit Issues

Questions (45)

Neale Richmond

Question:

45. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the impact of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement on food exports to the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26467/21]

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Written answers

The EU – UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) has now been fully ratified by the European Council and the European Parliament, having been provisionally applied since 1st January 2021.

The TCA avoids the worst outcomes of a No Deal Brexit. It ensures that there are no tariffs or quotas on goods of EU and UK origin traded between the EU and the UK. However, since 1 January 2021, the UK is outside the EU Single Market and Customs Union. This means new procedures apply for businesses moving goods to, from or through the UK, excluding Northern Ireland.

The Department is keeping a close eye on trade volumes since 1st January. As the Deputy will be aware, monthly trade figures are very volatile. No firm conclusions can be drawn about the impact of Brexit on trade flows between Ireland and the UK based on statistics for the initial period post-transition. Proper analysis requires reviewing data over a longer period of time in order to make a definitive assessment of post-Brexit trade flow patterns.

A number of factors need to be assessed, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the stockpiling of goods in late 2020, and the challenges of complying with new customs and regulatory requirements at the end of the Brexit transition period.

Coastal Protection

Questions (46)

James O'Connor

Question:

46. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the provision of pier and other coastal defence funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26929/21]

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Written answers

The Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute. In addition, the Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, in accordance with the Marine Works (Ireland) Act 1902, and piers, lights and beacons constructed under the auspices of the Congested Districts Board.

Responsibility for the maintenance and development of Local Authority-owned harbours and piers rests with each individual Local Authority in the first instance and its parent Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage thereafter. This programme is limited to specific works on piers, harbours and slipways owned by Local Authorities. Coastal defences in general fall under the remit of the Office of Public Works.

Funding is made available on an annual basis by the Department to the six Fishery Harbour Centres, via the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Since 2010, €140 million has been invested in Department-owned infrastructure. Additionally €33.4m has been allocated under the Department’s 2021 Programme for works on the six harbours.

The Department also provides limited funding to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways under the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.

Since 2010, my Department has provided funding of over €31 million to 15 coastal local authorities for development and maintenance works. Additionally, I have recently announced and allocated €4.2m to the 2021 programme.

The €4.2m package I am making available this year provides funding for a diverse suite of 79 projects geographically spread across 12 Local Authorities which will improve the amenities provided to the wider Marine community in these coastal areas. It will provide a much needed economic boost to rural coastal communities particularly in these trying times and also make them more attractive to tourists in the longer term. During the pandemic, we have become more aware than ever of the importance of our outdoor spaces and local amenities. The continued upgrading and refurbishment of our local piers and harbours will support local fishers, tourism and will have numerous knock-on benefits for local economies.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (47)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

47. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an analysis has been carried out by his Department on the relationship between the value of entitlements and stocking density on livestock farms; if so, the result of this analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26488/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Department has not carried out an analysis on the relationship between entitlement values and stocking densities on farms.

All direct payments are decoupled from production (with the exception of coupled support for protein crops), which means that other than the initial allocation of payment entitlements in 2005 which was based on the reference years 2001-2003, there is no formal link between entitlement values and production.

Since 2005, farmers may also transfer entitlements to each other. In fact, each year since 2015 has seen an increasing number of transfers and this further erodes any link to the initial allocation value and its production base.

Furthermore, a programme of internal convergence has operated since 2015 and is likely to continue in the next CAP and this has further eroded this historical link.

Energy Policy

Questions (48)

Brian Stanley

Question:

48. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has a strategy to develop a biomass sector to provide farmers with another income stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26924/21]

View answer

Written answers

The biomass sector in Ireland provides opportunities for farmers in the production of feedstocks from forest resources and opportunities in anaerobic digestion (AD). Indigenous renewable energy plays a vital role in our domestic fuel mix and will become even more important in the context of reducing our reliance on imported fuels and in meeting our challenging renewable energy targets for 2020 and 2030. The partnership between farmers and industry will be an important part in the renewable energy future for Ireland and in our efforts to displace fossil fuel usage.

The Department is committed to working closely with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to ensure that the supply of domestic fuels available in the forest and agriculture sectors are mobilised to support energy generation from a range of bioenergy technologies including Anaerobic Digestion.

In relation to forest biomass, Ireland's current forest policy is to develop an internationally competitive and sustainable forest sector that provides a full range of economic, environmental and social benefits to society and includes the sustainable production of biomass.

The Council for Forest Research and Development (COFORD) publish roundwood forecasts approximately every five years. COFORD estimate that roundwood on the Island of Ireland is forecast to increase from around 4 million cubic metres annually to approximately 8 million cubic metres by 2035. This is a significant increase in production and will mainly come from the 23,000 private forest owners.

The Department continues to support the development of the biomass and forest sector through a range of supports and measures as detailed in the Forestry Programme 2014 - 2020. These measures include afforestation schemes which provide grants and premiums for the expansion of forest areas which in turn increase the production of forest biomass and roundwood. Mobilisation of forest products and biomass to markets is also facilitated by the construction of forest roads through the Forest Road Scheme.

The Department also provides funding to the Irish Bioenergy Association of Ireland (IRBEA) who promote the development and use of biomass from a range of different feedstocks.  IRBEA administer a Wood Fuel Quality Assurance scheme which is a voluntary certification scheme aimed at suppliers and purchasers of fuel produced to a certain standard.

Other complementary measures aimed at increasing demand for heat include the Sustainable Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH). The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat is a government funded initiative designed to increase the energy generated from renewable sources in the heat sector. The scheme is open to commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating, public sector and other non-domestic heat users and is administered by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. This scheme will see increased use of biomass boilers using renewable biomass feedstocks to produce heat.

Ireland Forestry Programme and policy support measures will continue to develop the forest sector maximising the sustainable use of wood and biomass and helping to replace and substitute the use of non renewable fossil fuels.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (49)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

49. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the ongoing imposition of the four movement and 30-month rules by meat factories on primary producers; and the steps he will take to address such to ensure that farmers can receive a fair price for their produce. [26926/21]

View answer

Written answers

In-spec bonus payments are made in respect of cattle which meet certain market specifications demanded by trade customers. The 30-month age and four movement specification to which you refer are examples of this. They are specifications for the payment of a bonus. Such specifications are entirely a commercial matter and are not conditions imposed by the Department.

Additionally, it should be noted that certain third countries have imposed a 30-month age limit in respect of beef imports, and this will be specified in the veterinary health certificate which will accompany beef exports to those countries.

In September 2019, consensus was reached between stakeholders on the Irish Beef Sector Agreement.

Two elements of this relate to the specifications cited:

- the introduction of a new bonus of 8c/kg for steers and heifers aged between 30 to 36 months, which meet all non-age related existing in-spec criteria, and which previously did not receive any bonus;

- an independent review of market and customer requirements, specifically in relation to the four in-spec bonus criteria currently in operation in the Irish beef sector.

The details of this agreement are publicly available on the Gov.ie website.

The report by Grant Thornton titled 'An Independent Review of Market and Customer Requirements of Irish Beef' is now complete and also available on the Gov.ie website. The report concluded that there is significant variance in demand for the in-spec bonus criteria amongst customers. There is strong market demand for quality assured animals and animals under 30 months. Although the market requirement for a maximum number of residencies and minimum period on the last farm is not as strong, it is still a requirement of some key customers. In summary, while all the requirements are not required by all of the customers, they are reflective of the requirements in the market place.

As the Deputy will be aware, there is a commitment in the Programme for Government for the establishment of a new authority called the National Food Ombudsman (NFO) or similar to enforce the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive. A public consultation on the primary legislation needed to establish the new Office of a National Food Ombudsman or Regulator is open until 26th May 2021. All submissions under this process are welcome and will be considered.

I am committed to delivering an office that will bring much-needed transparency to our sector that will ultimately help our farmers and primary producers.

Trade Promotion

Questions (50)

Neale Richmond

Question:

50. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the work of his Department to promote trade diversification for Irish food exports post-Brexit to the rest of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26466/21]

View answer

Written answers

Developing trade opportunities is an integral part of my Department’s response to the challenges associated with Brexit. Encouragingly, in 2020 - an extremely challenging year for trade - exports to other EU Member States held up, exceeding €4 billion.

Recent budgets for the Department have provided additional funding to Bord Bia to support market diversification efforts to the rest of the EU. These resources have supported Bord Bia's Market and Customer Prioritisation exercise, as well as its Market Intensification Programme.

Under the Market Intensification Programme, Bord Bia promoted Irish beef and lamb in over 1,000 German retail outlets. It also hosted an online beef promotion event with one of Italy’s largest retailers. Furthermore, Bord Bia and Tourism Ireland carried out a range of activities in the Netherlands, as well as creating video content for a Spanish TV cookery channel promoting Irish grass-fed Hereford beef.

Bord Bia continues to provide assistance to companies in establishing and expanding their presence in EU markets, and this work is supported by my Department's Agriculture Attachés across Europe.

Trade missions also play a key role in building customer relations. For example, the Department, in collaboration with Bord Bia, led a series of virtual trade missions, receptions and key customer meetings in the fourth quarter of 2020. These had a strong European dimension. Such was the positive feedback that similar events were successfully completed as part of this year’s St Patrick's Day trade agenda. These meetings focused on key customers in the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

I will continue to avail of every opportunity to promote trade diversification for Irish food exports post-Brexit in Europe and further afield.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (51)

Paul Murphy

Question:

51. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has considered the possible impacts of the further concentration of ownership of the meat processing industry here on small farmers. [27017/21]

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Written answers

Any further concentration of ownership of the meat processing industry through an acquisition or merger is a matter for the relevant authorities under the EU legislation covering the control of concentrations between undertakings (the EC Merger Regulation). Depending on the turnover thresholds of the undertakings concerned, it would be notifiable to the European Commission or to the relevant national authority.

The Department's statutory responsibility in the context of meat plants is to approve slaughter plants in accordance with the European Union (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2020 and after that to ensure that the DAFM approved plants operate in compliance with the EU's food hygiene legislation, animal health and animal welfare standards. The Department can not, in carrying out this process, take into account issues such as the concentration of ownership, as it is outside the scope of this remit.

I have acknowledged the importance of transparency in the market for primary producers and the Department is progressing several initiatives to increase transparency, in particular the establishment of a new Office, to be called the National Food Ombudsman or similar.

This new Office will have a specific role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland. Legislation is required to establish the new Office and a national consultation process on the additional functions to be assigned to the office, going beyond those in the Unfair Trading Practices Directive, is currently ongoing. The consultation is open on gov.ie/consultations until 26th May.

In relation to the beef sector in particular, the completion of the three market transparency studies commissioned by the Department, as part of the Beef TaskForce, will be an important step towards improving visibility of the complex supply chain which is integral in fostering trust and enhancing supply chain relationships. These studies, the last of which is currently being finalised, will act as an important starting point for driving increased transparency.

The Department already publishes a range of beef data including current prices, historical prices and trends. In particular, the Beef PriceWatch App provides users with up-to-date information on the average price paid for animals in 24 DAFM approved meat factories throughout the country.

EU Programmes

Questions (52)

Réada Cronin

Question:

52. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagements he has had with other Departments to ensure that designations under the critically important EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 will involve full consultation with farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26943/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that these designations are a matter for my colleague Minister of State Malcolm Noonan. It has been the Government's intention to engage with all stakeholders as part of the Biodiversity Strategy 2030.

The procedure involved in the proposed designation of a site as a Special Area of Conservation or Special Protection Area is in accordance with the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 or as a Natural Heritage Area in accordance with the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (53)

Paul Murphy

Question:

53. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the planned expansion of the dairy processing industry here. [27015/21]

View answer

Written answers

Whilst milk production in Ireland has increased since the removal of milk quotas, from approximately 5.4 billion litres in 2015 to almost 8.3 billion litres in 2020, the rate of increase has slowed in recent years. It is important that processors and their suppliers work together to ensure that the Irish dairy sector can effectively manage the next stage in its sustainable development.

The Department and this Government places an enormous emphasis on improving the sustainability of all sectors of Irish agriculture, including dairy.

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 has been published and will support Ireland’s transition to Net Zero and achieve a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050. It will establish a legally binding framework with clear targets and commitments set in law. It will ensure that the necessary structures and processes are embedded on a statutory basis to allow us to achieve our national, EU and international climate goals and obligations.

The measures provided for in this Bill include placing on a statutory basis a 'national climate objective', which commits to pursue and achieve no later than 2050, the transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity-rich, environmentally-sustainable and climate-neutral economy. This Bill is the platform that can allow Ireland to provide strategic leadership on climate change matters. Farmers and the land use sector are already contributing to the national effort to address the climate challenge. Farmers are adapters and farmers are adopters. They have shown leadership in this area and I am confident that they will continue to do so.

My aim as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is to ensure that agriculture plays its role in contributing to Ireland’s Climate Change mitigation responsibilities whilst also ensuring that the sector can develop in an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable manner.

This will undoubtedly be challenging, and there are no easy answers. However, I am confident that the strategic framework set out in the draft Agri Food Strategy for 2030, which has been published for public consultation, sets out a pathway to deal with these challenges, using a food systems approach. Collaborative action between Government and all stakeholders, including the dairy industry and most importantly farmers themselves, will be key in this regard.

Aquaculture Industry

Questions (54)

Pa Daly

Question:

54. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the impact of Covid-19 on the processing of licence appeals in his Department. [26921/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) is an independent body established by statute for the purpose of considering appeals of Ministerial decisions in respect of aquaculture licence applications.

The matters referred to by the Deputy are operational matters for ALAB and the Department has no function in that regard. The Deputy’s question will therefore be referred to ALAB for attention and response directly to the Deputy by ALAB.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (55)

Brian Stanley

Question:

55. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered the introduction of a ban on below cost selling in the beef sector; and if he plans to take action to address same to ensure that farmers can receive a fair price for their produce. [26923/21]

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Written answers

The Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive, which has now been transposed into Irish law, does not address below cost selling. Previously, a Groceries Order in place from 1987 allowed suppliers to specify minimum prices below which products could not be sold - this was revoked in 2006 as it was considered that it had acted against the interests of consumers and I understand that there were difficulties in enforcement.

The legislative powers to deal with issues such as below cost selling fall under the auspices of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, together with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the statutory body responsible for enforcing consumer protection and competition law in Ireland.

As the Deputy will be aware, there is a commitment in the Programme for Government for the establishment of a new authority to be called the National Food Ombudsman (NFO) or similar, to enforce the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive. A two stage approach is being undertaken to deliver the commitment.

On April 28th, I signed Statutory Instrument No. 198 of 2021 which sets out the Regulations to give effect in Irish law to EU Directive No. 2019/633 on Unfair Trading Practices in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain. The Regulations will come into effect from 1 July 2021, and apply to agreements for the supply of agri-food products.

One of the key principles of the UTP Directive is to protect farmers and other weaker suppliers of agricultural and food products against stronger buyers. These Regulations will help to provide that protection and are a significant step in progressing towards a more even playing field for our agricultural producers.

The Enforcement Authority required by the Directive will, pending the establishment of the new Office, operate in my Department. The Authority will have the necessary statutory powers to investigate complaints, carry out investigations on its own initiative and initiate legal proceedings for breaches of the UTPs prohibited under the Directive.

Secondly, the establishment of the new Office requires primary legislation. The Office, whose remit will include the beef sector, will have a specific role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland and will also incorporate the UTP Enforcement Authority functions. In addition to establishing the new Office, the primary legislation may introduce rules that go beyond those included in the UTP Directive. It is important to be aware, however, that the Office will not be able to determine commodity prices.

A public consultation on the primary legislation needed to establish the new Office of a National Food Ombudsman or Regulator will be open until 26th May 2021 and all submissions under this process are welcome and will be considered.

I am committed to delivering an Office that will bring much-needed transparency to our sector that will ultimately help our farmers and primary producers. I encourage all stakeholders to participate in the consultation to help define the future role of the new Office.

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