Tuesday, 22 Jun 2021

Written Answers Nos. 617-636

Departmental Schemes

Questions (617)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

617. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if additional environmental actions on new afforestation projects on areas greater than 0.1 hectares normally completed under the afforestation grant premium scheme can be funded in any new agri-environmental schemes under pillar 1 and pillar 2 of the CAP whilst the forestry programme could be delivered entirely separately from the CAP strategic plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32851/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

There is a new Green Architecture proposed for the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) post-2020, with the three elements within that being Conditionality, Pillar 1 Eco-Schemes and Pillar 2 interventions.

While negotiations on the relevant overarching regulations are still ongoing, it is proposed that actions in relation to agri-environment, climate, biodiversity and protection of natural resources will be included in the eco-scheme measure under Pillar I and in a range of interventions in Pillar 2 in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan, with such actions, if approved by the Commission, being funded from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and, in the case of Pillar 2 interventions, with co-funding from the National Exchequer.

A number of tree planting related actions featured under the current agri-environment measure (GLAS) with 1.5 million trees planted under these measures. A range of tree planting actions are under consideration for future agri-environment measures. The Department continues to engage with relevant stakeholders on the design of these and full public consultation is planned in the very near future as part of wider CAP process.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (618)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

618. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a total area of 902,000 hectares excluding areas of LPIS under linear and point features is the total area under the GLAS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32852/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The below table includes GLAS area-based actions only. The information provided is a snapshot of the current situation. The figures can change if a participant withdraws from the scheme, withdraws actions or progresses to payment for a following year. For example, if an applicant has not yet received their 2020 payments, their land details will not be reflected in the 2020 data of the table until the payment is issued. The following data reflects the number of hectares per year per action as of the end of May 2021. There may, of course, also be overlap between actions on the same hectare.

Table

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Questions (619)

Denis Naughten

Question:

619. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific funding allocated by his Department on research into carbon sequestration in agriculture and potential payments to farmers for such practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32885/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Carbon sequestration has an important contribution to make in an agriculture decarbonisation pathway. Quantifying the carbon sequestered in our soils requires scientific research.

The ability of agriculture land to absorb CO2 is influenced by a number of site-specific factors, studies have shown that temperate grasslands can have annual sequestration rates of approximately 1 tonne C per hectare. However, currently, due to large areas of drained carbon rich soils under agricultural management, grasslands act as a net source.

In the past, the lack of national long-term observational data and field experiments have been recognised as a barrier to quantifying grassland sequestration. The Department has recently announced the establishment of a National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory. This significant investment will be used to model GHG emissions and sequestration on a range of agricultural land.

In addition, the Department is providing up to €850,000 in research funding for two projects investigating how carbon sequestration on agricultural land could provide mitigation options while maintaining agricultural production (Agri-SOC) and understanding the contribution of hedgerows and non-forest woodland patches (NFW) to Carbon stocks in agricultural landscapes (Farm-Carbon).

The Department is also involved with the EU LIFE IP Peatlands and People project, with a co-funding commitment of €750,000 in support of research into GHG’s and carbon sequestration from grassland farming  in peatland. The project will facilitate objectives of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. Research on these projects is currently ongoing and results may provide the scientific basis for the development of measures in the future.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (620)

Verona Murphy

Question:

620. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a maximum of 5% of farmer participants in GLAS afforested their land under the afforestation grant and premium scheme during the duration of GLAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32901/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The GLAS terms and conditions clearly indicate that afforestation is fully compatible with GLAS and is recognised as contributing to the creation of a valuable landscape mosaic at farm-level. It is also important to note that GLAS is not a whole-farm scheme and that opportunities continue to exist for afforestation and for other Forestry Schemes on parcels not in GLAS.  Details on the level of afforestation on non-GLAS parcels is not currently available. Applicants for GLAS were urged, together with their Advisors, to look at the opportunities afforded by Forestry Schemes when planning for GLAS.

Forestry is one of the many land use options available to farmers and land owners and the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme covers 100% of the cost of establishing new forests and also provides annual premium payments which are paid for 15 years. All forestry schemes are voluntary and land owners have the option to choose between twelve different planting categories within the Department’s current Afforestation Scheme.

Farmers who have planted land under the forestry scheme do not do so using their herd number and, therefore, are not easily cross-checked with GLAS participants. The Department is examining whether such an analysis is feasible.

Fishing Industry

Questions (621, 622)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

621. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to adjust the policy for allocating the mackerel quota given that the current 400 tonne quota for hook and line catch by the smaller inshore fleet has been already exceeded in 2021 and he has now closed the 2021 mackerel hook and line fishery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32974/21]

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

622. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the policy of burden sharing post-Brexit and subsequent loss of fishing quota for Irish fishers has been responsible for the early closure of the 2021 mackerel hook and line fishery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32975/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 621 and 622 together.

The allocation of 400 tonnes for a fishery for smaller vessels using hook and line as a means of fishing was set down in Policy in 2010.  The then Minister amended the Mackerel policy in July 2017 after intensive review and public consultation. This amendment did not involve the hook and line fishery.  

The mackerel Policy sets down that the hook and line fishery for vessels under 15m in overall length receive 400t.  

In order to amend Mackerel Policy, I must be satisfied that there is satisfactory evidence of changed circumstances to justify a policy review.  If I consider there is a case for review of any aspect policy, it would require due process involving an assessment of all issues arising, including full public consultation.  

There has been, for the past 20 years or so, intensive competition within the industry for access to and a higher share of the mackerel quota. The EU/U.K. Trade and Co-operation Agreement provides for the transfer of 26% of Ireland’s mackerel quota by 2026 to the U.K.  This will only increase demands for higher shares of Ireland’s quota from all sectors within the fishing fleet.

In respect of the linkage between the early closure of the hook and line fishery and the EU/ UK TCA, the Deputy should be aware that the 400t for the hook and line fishery has not been reduced and has remained the same as in previous years.

Unfortunately, the situation is that if there is an increase for any sector in the allocation made available, such as for the hook and line fishery, it must be taken from others who are already facing significant cuts under the EU/ U.K. TCA.

Question No. 622 answered with Question No. 621.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (623)

Michael Creed

Question:

623. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans of his Department regarding its recent decision on the amalgamation of herd numbers and the impact which this will have on BEAM compliance if applied retrospectively; the way this approach is compatible with correspondence which issued to farmers indicating their state of compliance with the BEAM scheme nitrates reduction obligations prior to the decision to amalgamate these herd numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32981/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) was to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132. 

One of the conditions of the BEAM scheme under which funding was provided by the EU was that there had to be an element of reduction or re-structuring built into the scheme - Article 1 (3) of (EU) 2019/1132 refers.  Accordingly, in applying for BEAM, participants agreed to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on their holding by 5% for the reduction period 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021 as compared with the reference period 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2019. 

Section 3.1 of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) Terms and Conditions define a holding as:

 “All the production units managed by a farmer during 2018 and subsequent years and situated within the territory of the Republic of Ireland” 

Where a BEAM participant has during the BEAM reference period (1st July 2018 - 30th June 2019) and/or the BEAM reduction period (1st July 2020 - 30th June 2021 or in the case of deferment 1st January 2021 - 31st December 2021), had one or more associated herdnumbers linked to their BEAM application herdnumber on the Department’s Corporate Customer System (CCS), these herdnumbers are deemed as being be part of the particpant’s holding in line with section 3.1 of the BEAM Terms and Conditions.

As part of the holding, any bovine animals in these associated herd numbers during the BEAM reference period or the BEAM reduction period will be included in the bovine nitrates figures for the holding. The associated herd letters that issued in recent weeks to some BEAM participants reminded those participants of their obligations under the scheme vis a vis section 3.1. It should be noted that the option for farmers to defer and choose the alternative reduction period of 1st January 2021 - 31st December 2021 closes at midnight on 21st June 2021.

Forestry Sector

Questions (624)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

624. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the practical experience that is required by an ecologist before they can start vetting forestry licence applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32995/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

From time to time, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine recruit ecologists and these are deployed into various Divisions of the Department.

The most recent competition required a relevant degree at Level eight and at least 18 months satisfactory work experience as a professional ecologist, including assessing and evaluating biodiversity issues, such experience having been gained after attaining their Level 8 qualification. Experience gained while working for a post-graduate qualification, or while undertaking post-doctoral research, may, if relevant, count towards this requirement.

Ecologists that are recruited through this process and who deal with forestry files receive on-the-job training and supervision in relation to dealing with the ecological aspects of forestry files.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (625)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

625. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the number of farmers that afforested a part of their farm declined by 88% during the duration of GLAS, commencing in 2015 up to and including 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32999/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The table below indicates the number of farmer/non-farmer applicants that chose to establish forestry in the years 2015 to 2020.  The table shows the overall number of newly established forestry sites has been in decline recently. 

There could be many reasons for this as farmers have many options open to them to manage their land, including the lease or sale of lands.  Non-farmer applicants may also be a relative of a deceased farmer, who have chosen to plant inherited land instead of continuing to farm.

Year	Farmer	Non-farmer	Total
2015	852	130	982
2016	652	357	1,009
2017	536	353	889
2018	309	315	624
2019	206	293	499
2020	100	261	361

In terms of GLAS, applicants had the option of choosing parcels for GLAS and also the opportunity  to join the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme on other parcels.  The GLAS terms and conditions outline that afforestation is fully compatible with GLAS and is recognised as contributing to the creation of a valuable landscape mosaic at farm-level. The Scheme also had the “Planting a Grove of Native Trees” action which has been chosen by over 3,600 farmers and resulted in the planting of over 1.5 million trees.

I am anxious that farmers re-engage with forestry and acknowledge that current licensing difficulties are likely a contributory factor in terms of reduced interest.  This is a priority issue for me and my Department and is being dealt under Project Woodland.  Furthermore the Department is working to ensure that there is integration between Agri-Environment schemes in CAP and the new Forestry Programme.  It is intended that tree planting measures will form part of the new Agri-Environment schemes.  The transitional REAP scheme (a results-based payment approach for grasslands) has, for instance, complementary tree-planting actions.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (626)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

626. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the serious decline in the number of farmers that afforested a part of their farm during the duration of GLAS has been included in any SWOT analysis and needs assessment completed by his Department as part of the CAP Strategic Plan in particular the eco-scheme and agri-environment measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33000/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The draft CAP Strategic Plan regulation, currently under negotiation, requires that an analysis of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT analysis) and a Needs Assessment forms part of the CAP Strategic Plan prepared by each Member State.

A SWOT analysis was accordingly undertaken as part of the development of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, in which the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats in the Irish agricultural sector are identified. A Needs Assessment has also been compiled which identifies and prioritises the high-level needs of the agricultural sector, based on the SWOT analysis, as well as feedback from stakeholders and the European Commission. Interventions are currently being designed based on the needs identified.

While the lower level of new forestry planting over recent years was noted in the SWOT analysis as a weakness, the SWOT analysis identifies opportunities to increase relatively low level of forest cover, including native and/or broadleaf species. It cites the allocation of funding by the Government for the Forestry Programme and identification of forestry as an extremely effective climate change mitigation tool; one that has the potential to deliver very high climate related benefits, and its consequential inclusion in AgClimatise.

The Needs Assessment identifies two needs in relation to forestry, namely, to increase the carbon sequestration potential of Ireland’s forests and woodlands and to maximise the contribution of forestry including the planting of native trees in appropriate locations, safeguarding existing biodiverse habitats.  Eco-scheme and agri-environment scheme(s) have been identified as interventions for consideration to address these needs.

GLAS is implemented under the provisions of EU Regulation (EU) no 1305/2013. Section 12 of the GLAS terms and conditions outline that afforestation is fully compatible with GLAS and is recognised as contributing to the creation of a valuable landscape mosaic at farm-level. It is also important to note that GLAS is not a whole-of-farm scheme and that afforestation opportunities continue to exist for GLAS participants on parcels that do not contain GLAS actions.   

Priority now must be the implementation of meaningful tree-planting measures as part of our future agri-environment measures and better integration of the next CAP and the next National Forestry Programme.

Food Safety

Questions (627)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

627. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the UK authorities are requesting Irish food exporters to the UK to comply with new and excessive regulations in regard to food hygiene and inspections thereby increasing administrative requirements beyond those of the European Union; if action has been taken or is in hand to address these issues which will have serious consequences for Irish products entering the UK market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33031/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The UK is now operating outside the EU Single Market and Customs Union, and we are trading with the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) as we do with other non-EU countries. 

The UK Government sets its own import policy, and has revised its timelines for the introduction of new controls on imports from the EU. The next phase of these controls comes into effect from 1st October 2021. Export certificates will be required to accompany these export consignments, and pre-notification to the UK authorities will be necessary.

The UK authorities have retained EU SPS legislation that was in place on leaving the EU, and have published a Border Operating Model (BOM) reflecting this legislation. However, we are expecting a further update to the BOM.  Seamless trade with Great Britain is no longer possible, and impacts such as delays, additional costs and, potentially, adjustments to supply chains, are unavoidable.    

The Department has invested significantly in developing our IT systems to process documentation post-Brexit and to putting resources in place to support this work.   Health certification will be provided through the Department’s existing systems - systems that have been specifically developed for Brexit - and through the EU Trade Control And Expert System (TRACES). 

Ongoing consultation and communications are taking place with the industry in order to enhance its readiness. Trials are ongoing and additional trials are planned.  Bilateral engagement continues at technical level between their Department and the UK’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in order to clarify UK import requirements so that arrangements are in place to provide the necessary certification.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (628)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

628. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the REAP scheme for farmers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33060/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I was delighted to see the huge level of interest in the Results-Based Agri Environment Pilot (REAP) demonstrated by over 10,800 applications being received for the project. REAP is a pilot initiative designed to trial the results-based model on Irish farms. As this model is expected to feature under the new CAP, REAP will better place Irish farmers and their advisors for participation in the next national agri-environment scheme to follow on from GLAS.

REAP will be part-funded under the technical assistance measure of Ireland's Rural Development Programme. The pilot nature of the project lead to initial expectations that participant numbers would not exceed 2,000 places. However, participation numbers in the project were increased significantly. Now, almost 5,000 farmers will be supported to undertake environmental commitments to increase the environmental value of existing farm features. This figure is more than double the original participation figure envisioned.

As REAP was oversubscribed, a ranking and selection process was used to assess applications. This process considered the presence of priority water areas, (as defined by the EPA), and the proportion of Natura and ANC land on the holding. The details of the selection process are listed in section 10 of the REAP terms and conditions. There will be further opportunities for these farmers to engage in agri-environment schemes under the next CAP on which intensive work is underway to design these schemes in consultation with stakeholders.

Departmental Funding

Questions (629)

Matt Carthy

Question:

629. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding appropriated in 2021 related to Covid-19 measures in programmes A, B, C and D by sub-heading in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33149/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The following table sets out the Exchequer funding allocated in 2021 related to COVID-19 measures.  Furthermore, provision was made for COVID-19 related spending in a number of administration areas, including on items such as PPE materials and IT costs related to remote working arrangements. These cannot be separately apportioned.

Subhead	Measure/scheme/ initiative introduced	Exchequer funding allocated in 2021
B.6	BEEP scheme	€5 million
C.7	Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (HGRF).	€12 million
C.10	SBCI Loan Scheme	€10.6  million

Departmental Funding

Questions (630)

Matt Carthy

Question:

630. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding appropriated in 2020 related to Covid-19 measures in programmes A, B, C and D by sub-heading in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33150/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The following table sets out the Exchequer funding allocated in 2020 related to COVID-19 measures.  Furthermore, there was COVID-19 related spending in a number of administration areas, including on items such as PPE materials and IT costs related to remote working arrangements.  These cannot be separately apportioned.

Subhead	Measure /scheme/initiative introduced	Exchequer funding allocated in 2020
B.6	Beef finisher payment	€50 million
C.11	SBCI Working Capital Scheme	€2.7 million
D.3	Fishery harbour development programme	€5 million
D.3	Covid 19 Aquaculture Support Scheme	€750,000
D.3	Covid-19 voluntary Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme	€427,196

Departmental Funding

Questions (631)

Matt Carthy

Question:

631. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding appropriated in 2021 related to Brexit measures in programmes A, B, C and D by sub-heading in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33151/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Deputy will appreciate that significant administrative resources in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are being utilised on an ongoing basis for Brexit related purposes, the cost of which cannot be isolated. 

The following table sets out the additional Exchequer funding allocated to the Department in 2021 related to Brexit spending. 

Subhead	Measure/Scheme	Brexit related Exchequer funding allocated in 2021 € 000
(i)	Salaries/wages/allowances	10,000
(vi)	Office premises expenses (current)	7,000
(vi)	Officer premises expenses (Capital)	10,000
A.3.7	Other Animal Diseases Measures	11,800
C.4	Development of Agriculture and Food	8,350
C.6	Bord Bia*	3,500
D.6	SFPA **	1,591

* Bord Bia received an additional €3.5m in 2021, which was incorporated by Brexit related and COVID-19 recovery activities into their suite of existing programmes, market diversification and business assists for Irish food and drink businesses

 **Increase in SFPA's pay budget for additional staffing requirements was primarily Brexit related.

Departmental Funding

Questions (632)

Matt Carthy

Question:

632. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding appropriated in 2020 related to Brexit measures in programmes A, B, C and D by sub-heading in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33152/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In 2020, much of the work of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine focussed on Brexit preparedness and internal resources were re-prioritised accordingly.  The cost of same cannot be isolated, but specific additional provision was made in the areas set out in the following table:

Subhead	Measure/Scheme	Brexit-related Exchequer funding allocated in 2020   € 000
(i)	Salaries/wages/allowances	15,250
(vi)	Office premises expenses	600
(vi)	Officer premises expenses (Capital)	19,158
C.4	Development of Agriculture and Food	7,900
C.10	SBCI loan scheme	21,372
D.6	SFPA *	2,616

* Increase in SFPAs pay budget for additional staffing requirements was primarily Brexit-related.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (633)

Matt Carthy

Question:

633. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered extending the GLAS scheme for existing participants in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33153/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The 10th amendment to the Rural Development Programme was recently approved by the EU Commission.  It provides for the possibility for the extension of the GLAS scheme in 2022.  As with all relevant Rural Development schemes, consideration of an extension will be subject to the availability of national funding through the annual budget process in the autumn.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (634)

Matt Carthy

Question:

634. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants to the REAP scheme; the number of successful applicants; the last agri-environmental scheme that successful and unsuccessful in which applicants took part in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33154/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The number of applications received under the Results-Based Agri Pilot Project (REAP) project are provided below. I was very pleased both with the application rate and to have secured places for almost 5,000 of these which was significantly above the original projection of 2,000.

There are a number of agri-environment initiatives under the current CAP in which there are successful and unsuccessful applicants.  This is normal in any scheme which the Department runs for farmers. However, REAP is a standalone pilot project which is not directly comparable to the main RDP schemes as it is a pilot initiative to trial potential measures for inclusion in the next RDP.  REAP is an ambitious, farmer-friendly initiative that will help the environment and support family farm incomes. 

Scheme	Applicants	Successful Applicants	Unsuccessful Applicants
REAP	10,805	4,926	5,879

Departmental Schemes

Questions (635)

Matt Carthy

Question:

635. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the minimum and maximum stocking rate for participation in the organic farming scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33155/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Organic Farming Scheme payment is computed on the basis of a minimum stocking rate of 32.5 kg per hectare per annum of livestock manure nitrogen.  This is the equivalent of 0.5 suckler cows per hectare, which is an extensive stocking rate.

Farmers not achieving this stocking level receive payment on a pro-rata basis. A minimum stocking level is considered important in organic production systems for effective grassland management, to ensure productive swards and to maintain and improve biodiversity. It also means supply of organic produce meeting supply chain requirements and consumer demands.

The maximum stocking rate allowed is 170 kg per ha per annum of livestock manure nitrogen. A level of farming above 170 kg per hectare per annum is considered to be intensive farming and therefore not compliant with organic farming Regulations.

Departmental Strategies

Questions (636)

Matt Carthy

Question:

636. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered revising the National Organic Strategy 2019-2025 to align it with the EU Organic Action Plan of March 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33156/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The main objectives contained in the EU Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production is to increase consumer trust in organic food and to promote the conversion to and maintenance of organic farming methods. There is a strong corelation between the EU Action Plan and the targets contained in the Strategy for the Development of the Organic Sector.  I believe the current strategy remains relevant and continues to be a major driver of the growth of the Irish organic food sector.  

I, along with Minister of State Hackett who has responsibility for the sector, will continue to progress the implementation of the National Organic Strategy 2019-2025 which sets out ambitious growth targets for the sector by aligning it closely with market opportunities. 

The current Programme for Government has set a new target for organic farming, to meet evolving consumer trends in this area. While the EU Commission’s objective of reaching at least 25% of the EU’s agricultural land under organic farming by 2030 is highly ambitious, there is a commitment to align Ireland’s organic land area with that of the current EU average of approximately 7.5% over the lifetime of this Government. The Programme aims to focus on developing domestic and international organic markets, to ensure that farmers have access to premium-paying markets for their produce.

The Programme for Government also focuses particularly on maximising potential opportunities in the organic sector, the supply of quality Irish grains to an expanding food and drinks industry, and opportunities for home-grown proteins in animal feeds.

The European Commission’s Farm to Fork Strategy acknowledges the market for organic food is set to continue growing and organic farming needs to be further promoted. This Strategy recognises that Organic food production has a positive impact on biodiversity and creates jobs opportunities in rural communities.  

With the re-opening of the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme, together with the reopening of the Organic Farming Scheme earlier this year, we are delivering on the Department’s Action Plan 2021 targets for further supporting and developing the organic sector.