Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021
410. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline his key policy achievements in his Department since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32711/21]
View answerSince publication of the Programme for Government in June 2020, the Department has been progressing the 161 actions identified in the "Agriculture, Food and the Marine" chapter, as well as actions in other chapters for which it has shared responsibility. A review of these PFG commitments is currently underway and the results will be available shortly. On 14th April, I published the 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.
The following are the key policy priorities for 2021:
1. Continuing to provide vital supports to the farmers, fishers and foresters which are the lifeblood of a balanced rural and coastal economy and community.
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 for the years ahead, taking into account our climate action and environmental obligations.
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.
