Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2021
275. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he plans taking to ensure that as much of the grants payable to farmers under the forthcoming CAP will remain with the farmer and that compliance costs will be kept to a minimum in view of the income challenges faced by the agriculture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28958/21]
View answerI am very much aware of the pressures on farm income and the need to consider compliance costs for farmers. I will consider in the preparation of Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 how we can best support farm incomes and minimise compliance costs, while adopting new approaches and innovations to address new and existing challenges.
I am conscious of the need to put in place supports to assist farmers and advisors to address the climate, environment, biodiversity and health and safety challenges at farm and local level. We have started this work in the transitional period, providing training for farmers and advisors, and testing results-based scorecards through the REAP pilot project, as well as continuing to provide support for EIP-AGRI innovation projects to find local solutions to local problems with farmers.
We aim to continue our online services using the agfood.ie system for applications by farmers, thereby reducing compliance costs. The Department already provides dedicated telephone and online help facilities for those farmers who need assistance in making applications, again cost-free for customers. Ease of application and compliance will be central to the new interventions under the CSP.
I will also continue the extensive engagement with stakeholders on development of the CSP through the CAP Consultative Committee, which comprises representatives of the main stakeholders, including farm bodies, NGOs (including the Environmental Pillar), industry representatives and academia. Further, wider, public consultations on the development of the CSP will take place over the coming weeks and months as we have more clarity on the regulations, which are under consideration in Brussels this week. I will continue to engage with stakeholders on all aspects as we develop our CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 to meet the deadline of submission to the Commission by 1st January 2023.
