Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
1191. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts he is taking to minimise the impact of eco-schemes on each farmer’s basic payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30901/21]
View answerThe various provisions under the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are still under negotiation and, at this time, there is no certainty with regard to the proportion of the direct payments ceiling allocated to eco-schemes.
The trilogue negotiations have proposed varying minimum percentages from the direct payments ceiling for allocation to eco-schemes in the range from 20% to 30%. At this point, the exact nature of the application of the eco-schemes is not yet available.
Throughout these negotiations, I have been fighting for maximum flexibility for the Member States when it comes to how the new CAP Strategic Plan is implemented. In order to obtain the best outcome for farmers and for the environment, eco-schemes are being designed so that they are accessible for all farmers.
