Brendan Smith
Question:67. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeline for the development of the national food ombudsman; and when he expects the office to be established. [38524/21]
View answerState Bodies
Questions (67)
Written answers
The Deputy will be aware that the establishment of a National Food Ombudsman is a key commitment in the Programme for Government, which states that the new Office will enforce the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive. It will also have a role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland. The UTP Directive was required to be transposed into Irish law by 1st May 2021. Primary legislation is required to establish the new Office and to provide for functions that go beyond the powers laid down in the UTP Directive.
As a first step, the Deputy may be aware that, in April 2021, I signed Statutory Instrument No. 198 of 2021 to transpose the UTP Directive into Irish law directly as it stands, with effect from 1st July 2021. As an interim measure, I have established the UTP Enforcement Authority in my Department. That Enforcement Authority has the powers to investigate complaints from suppliers including primary producers, carry out investigations on its own initiative and initiate legal proceedings for breaches of the UTPs.
Secondly, with regard to the primary legislation being prepared for the new Office, in April, this year, I launched a public consultation inviting views on what functions the new Office should deliver, in addition to the UTP functions. The consultation closed in June and the submissions made are currently being analysed; any proposals made or issues raised will be considered in light of the primary legislation being drafted.
On 25th June, I hosted an information seminar which gave stakeholders an overview of the submissions made to the consultation and of the requirements of the UTP Regulations. The seminar also included a presentation by the former UK Groceries Code Adjudicator.
Once the primary legislation, which is now being drafted, is finalised and the new Office is established, it will incorporate the UTP Enforcement Authority.
I am fully committed to ensuring the Programme for Government commitment is implemented as quickly as possible. The Department is giving this matter priority. However, until the legislation is finalised, I am not in a position to say exactly when the new Office will be established.
Agriculture Industry
Questions (68)
Matt Carthy
Question:68. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the future of the Beef Market Taskforce; and the consideration he has given to extending the remit of the taskforce in order to secure a fair price for beef farmers. [38158/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Beef Taskforce was established on foot of the beef sector agreement of 15th September 2019. The Beef Taskforce's remit as set out in terms of reference was to monitor the implementation of the actions arising from that agreement. The Taskforce was to meet at least quarterly from October 2019 for a period of one year after which the Taskforce’s progress was to be reviewed. However, progress was delayed in 2020 due to COVID-19.
As the Deputy is aware, I have requested the independent Chair of the Beef Taskforce, Mr Michael Dowling, to provide a report to me on the progress to date of the Taskforce. It is my understanding that the majority of the actions are now implemented but I await the final report, after which I will make the necessary decision on future strategic engagement with the Sector.
The beef sector agreement contained 38 specific actions. Of these 38 actions, 30 were finite actions which had timelines attached for completion. The remaining eight are ongoing actions, which by their nature, are long term and will continue outside of the context of the Beef Taskforce. All documents from the Beef Taskforce meetings, including minutes and updated progress reports, are published on the Gov.ie website.
Effective strategic engagement across the beef sector is crucial to its development in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable way, that works for all actors in the supply chain.
As the Deputy will be aware, the determination of price for beef, or any other commodity, is a commercial matter in which neither I nor my Department, have any role. However, the Deputy can be assured that my Department and I will continue to support constructive strategic engagement within the sector, as well as measures aimed at strengthening the supply chain, including support for Producer Organisations, and interventions aimed at supporting productive and environmental efficiency for beef farmers in the future.
I am also progressing work to deliver a National Food Ombudsman. I am committed to delivering much-needed transparency to the sector and to our farmers.
Forestry Sector
Questions (69)
Martin Browne
Question:69. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the effectiveness of the reconstitution and underplanting scheme; the feedback received from foresters on the effectiveness of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38019/21]
View answerWritten answers
Since the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, the focus of the Department’s approach to the disease, and the support provided to ash plantation owners, has evolved as our understanding of the nature and scale of the disease has changed.
In March 2013, the Department introduced a Reconstitution Scheme (Chalara Ash Dieback) to restore plantations established under the afforestation scheme which had suffered from or which were associated with plants affected by the disease. Mandatory sanitation felling was a component of this approach in the Department’s attempt to eradicate the disease and support ash plantation owners.
Over time, it became increasingly evident from experience gained, supported by scientific advice that eradication of Ash Dieback Disease was not feasible. The Reconstitution and Under-planting Scheme was developed in order to provide the forest owner with a broader range of silvicultural and management options in support of the ash dieback impacted plantation but without the requirement for mandatory sanitary action.
The scheme opened for applications in June 2020 and to date there have been over 330 applications with 83 approved to date, which demonstrates a healthy interest in the Scheme.
In terms of additional actions on ash die back disease, the Department continues to support research and continues to survey for the disease.
The future viability of ash is under very serious threat. Experience of ash dieback disease observed in most European countries, is that it results in large scale tree mortality and threatens the existence of the ash trees all over the continent. The disease is now widespread in Ireland. However, approximately 1% - 3% of a given population of ash will be naturally tolerant to the disease and this tolerance is heritable. Because of this, through research and development efforts here in Ireland and internationally, we are establishing populations of tolerant material and it will be available over the medium and long term.
Part of the 2020 survey for ash dieback disease included a systematic survey of National Forest Inventory points across the country leading to further findings. By the end of 2020, there had been findings in ash in over 660 locations in various settings – forests, nurseries and garden centres, on farm planting, roadside planting, hedgerows and private gardens in all 26 counties.
Forestry Sector
Questions (70)
Seán Canney
Question:70. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of efforts by his Department to combat ash dieback disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37231/21]
View answerWritten answers
Since the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, the focus of the Department’s approach to the disease, and the support provided to ash plantation owners, has evolved as our understanding of the nature and scale of the disease has changed.
In March 2013, the Department introduced a Reconstitution Scheme (Chalara Ash Dieback) to restore plantations established under the afforestation scheme which had suffered from or which were associated with plants affected by the disease. Mandatory sanitation felling was a component of this approach in the Department’s attempt to eradicate the disease and support ash plantation owners.
Over time, it became increasingly evident from experience gained, supported by scientific advice that eradication of Ash Dieback Disease was not feasible. The Reconstitution and Under-planting Scheme was developed in order to provide the forest owner with a broader range of silvicultural and management options in support of the ash dieback impacted plantation but without the requirement for mandatory sanitary action.
The scheme opened for applications in June 2020 and to date there has been over 330 applications with 83 approved to date, which demonstrates a healthy interest in the Scheme.
In terms of additional actions on ash die back disease, the Department continues to support research and continues to survey for the disease.
The future viability of ash is under very serious threat. Experience of ash dieback disease observed in most European countries, is that it results in large scale tree mortality and threatens the existence of ash trees all over the continent. The disease is now widespread in Ireland. However, approximately 1% - 3% of a given population of ash will be naturally tolerant to the disease and this tolerance is heritable. Because of this, through research and development efforts here in Ireland and internationally, we are establishing populations of tolerant material and it will be available over the medium and long term.
Part of the 2020 survey for ash dieback disease included a systematic survey of National Forest Inventory points across the country leading to further findings. By the end of 2020, there had been findings in ash in over 660 locations in various settings – forests, nurseries and garden centres, on farm planting, roadside planting, hedgerows and private gardens in all 26 counties.
Organic Farming
Questions (71)
Thomas Gould
Question:71. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to reform the organic farming scheme to remove preference for larger holdings above smaller farms. [38615/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Organic Farming Scheme was reopened earlier this year to encourage farmers to make the transition to organic farming. This is part of my commitment and that of the Programme for Government which is the highest level of ambition ever for the Irish organic sector.
Successful applications will be determined by a ranking and selection process. Marks are awarded for each sector with the aim of increasing the area under organic production, while prioritising areas deemed to be in deficit.
The Ranking and Selection is targeted at areas in deficit as outlined in the Strategy for the Development of the sector, which are dairy, tillage and horticulture. The process also gives priority to young farmers and larger holdings to encourage their participation in the scheme. These will help bring more scale to the sector.
However, there is no barrier to any sector or farm size applying and, indeed, I made it clear at the time of reopening that I encouraged applications from all interested farmers.
I am confident that the funding which has been provided for the organic sector is sufficient to allow farmers from both small and large holdings and indeed other farming enterprises to gain entry into the scheme.
Common Agricultural Policy
Questions (72)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:72. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to publish a discussion document in relation to the CAP 2023-2027 before the public consultation process begins; if so, when the document will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37165/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, at the end of June political agreement was reached between the Council of Agriculture Ministers and the European Parliament on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.
However, we are still some months away from the final legal texts as the European Parliament must formally sign off, with a vote expected in September or October. The Commission will publish the legal framework thereafter.
I expect to be in a position in the coming weeks to bring a Memo to Government on the matter, following which I will launch a public consultation on the draft interventions proposed. I will also be engaging in extensive discussions with stakeholders throughout the summer to hear their views, including through the national CAP Stakeholder Consultative Committee.
The Deputy should note that full details of the development of the CSP to date, including consultation documentation, is available on the Department's section of the gov.ie website at gov.ie/cap.
This is a critical plan for farmers and rural Ireland as we seek to address the climate and environmental challenges and support the viability and competitiveness of the sector and I want to ensure that all views are heard.
Forestry Sector
Questions (73)
Steven Matthews
Question:73. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the independent regulatory review on forestry licensing announced recently by his Department. [37091/21]
View answerWritten answers
When Minister of State Pippa Hackett and I launched Project Woodland in February of this year, I had two objectives. One to address and review the forestry licensing system and the second was to agree a shared national view to long-term approach to forestry and woodland creation in Ireland.
I am pleased to say that the Working Groups under Project Woodland who are addressing these key issues are now well established and working very well. The Project Board which oversees their work is very actively engaged also having had eight meetings already and is shortly due to publish the first in a series of interim reports updating stakeholders on their work.
The review of the licensing process is a top priority and the regulatory review in particular is of key importance. This is a high-level review of the regulatory and planning process for forestry licensing in Ireland. I am anxious that this gets underway as soon as possible. Minister of State Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, has asked the Project Board to examine how best we secure the services of an independent person or persons with appropriate legal and environmental expertise to carry it out.
It is intended that it include an examination of experiences in other Member States in licensing forestry activities and how they comply with EU legislation and from this what lessons we can bring to our licensing systems. Given the importance of this analysis, we will have to accord enough time for this review to be comprehensive in nature. I cannot at this stage say definitively when it will be completed but I would hope we would have a report in the Autumn.
Complementary to this review is the end-to-end process review of forestry licensing procedures and the IT system which is being conducted by an independent business analyst. There is a plan in place to finalise it by end August, at which stage it will then be examined by Working Group 4 and recommendations will be brought to the Project Board for consideration.
These two comprehensive reviews of the end-to-end licensing process and the regulatory framework will, I believe, lead to lasting improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of the system and will help us better meet the needs of landowners, forest owners, timber producers and all involved in forestry in Ireland.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (74)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:74. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a support package for sheep farmers on animal welfare grounds. [38162/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am very conscious of the important role that the sheep sector plays in the continued growth and development of our agri-food sector, and its valuable contribution to the rural economy.
The strong performance of the sector in 2020 has continued into 2021. Reductions in production globally and increased demand are expected to support continued strong performance throughout 2021. The current average price is €6.17 per kg, which is 21% above the same period last year.
The Sheep Welfare Scheme was introduced in December 2016 as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, having been agreed with the European Commission. In the four years of the scheme to date, €66.9 million has been paid to 18,268 farmers. The Sheep Welfare scheme has been extended in 2021 as part of the transition arrangements prior to the next CAP.
With regard to the new CAP, as you are aware, at the end of June there was general agreement on the CAP Reform proposals by Agriculture Ministers. However, we are still some months away from the final legal texts.
Meanwhile, the Department is working closely with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide indicative funding for co-financing of the rural development aspects of the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP). I expect to be in a position in the coming weeks to bring a Memo on the matter to Government, and then to launch a public consultation on the draft interventions proposed for the CSP.
I will also be engaging in extensive discussions with stakeholders throughout the summer to hear their views. I will continue to consult on the content of the plan with the key stakeholders, through the Stakeholder Consultative Committee. The Deputy should note that full details of the development of the CSP to date, including consultation documentation, is available on gov.ie.
As part of CSP preparations, officials have been examining options to build on the existing Sheep Welfare scheme. However, it is important to note that any such scheme must operate on the basis of specific actions to enhance animal health and welfare being carried out, with funding on the basis of costs incurred and income foregone, as is the case with the current scheme. Officials are also drafting an EcoScheme as provided for under Pillar One and it is likely that there will be a specific welfare aspect to this for any farmers, including sheep farmers, who choose to take up that option.
I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to supporting the sustainable development of the sheep sector.
Aquaculture Industry
Questions (75)
Holly Cairns
Question:75. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number and types of aquaculture licence applications approved by his Department in south-western areas of County Cork since 2017. [38150/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable National and EU Legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisors as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.
In addition, the legislation governing aquaculture licensing provides for an appeals mechanism. Appeals against licence decisions are a matter for the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) which is an independent statutory body.
Determinations in respect of aquaculture licence applications are published on the Department's website.
Department’s records indicate that 51 applications for aquaculture licences have been granted since 2017 in the areas referred to by the Deputy. The specific information requested is set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Marine Based Shellfish and Aquatic Plants |
Landbased |
Finfish |
|
2017 |
6 |
- |
- |
|
2018 |
13 |
3 |
- |
|
2019 |
26 |
- |
- |
|
2020 |
1 |
1 |
- |
|
2021 |
1 |
- |
- |
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (76)
Seán Canney
Question:76. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to ensure that farmers who make trivial mistakes on online applications, such as failing to tick the ANC box when they wish to get paid for ANC, have an easy and transparent mechanism to have their mistakes rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37229/21]
View answerWritten answers
All applications for Basic Payment Scheme and other EU funded Area Based Schemes are now completed online. The online application is mandatory under EU regulations and will continue under the new CAP. One of the many advantages of the online application process is the in-built checks which prevent certain errors being made.
Checks include the inability to claim incorrect parcel numbers, exceeding the maximum claimed areas of parcels and also errors of omission such as parcel use etc. These are highlighted with warning prompt boxes which must be completed and rectified before an applicant can proceed.
Following the application process, the Department facilitates preliminary checks of online Basic Payment Scheme applications for certain cases of non-compliance in the areas of over-claims, dual claims and overlaps. Applicants are notified via the online system of these errors and are offered the opportunity to rectify any such non-compliance with no penalty applied where the non-compliance is fully rectified within a prescribed date.
The purpose of the preliminary check is to enhance the correctness of BPS applications with the aim of lowering reductions and administrative penalties. These preliminary checks can also have the same impact on other area-based schemes.
Application for the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme (ANC) is made annually by way of ticking the box to indicate that the applicant wishes to apply for the scheme when completing their annual online Basic Payment Scheme application form. This is done from the Applicant details screen, under the section entitled "Other Schemes and Activities", where applicants are advised to tick the box should they wish to apply for the ANC scheme.
The Department has taken a number of steps to ensure that farmers are reminded to apply for the Scheme where they have received payment in the previous Scheme year. Where such applicants have not ticked the box to apply for the scheme, they are provided with a prompt to advise them that they had received payment under the Scheme in the previous year. They are then asked that, if they wish to apply in the current scheme year, they tick the box stating “I wish to apply for ANC”.
If they are no longer eligible to apply, or do not wish to apply, they are advised to tick the box stating “I do not want to apply for ANC”. It is not possible for these applicants to proceed with their BPS application until they have selected one of these two options.
The Department also produced a guide to the 2021 ANC scheme which issued to all eligible applicants and included an illustrated full colour guide with images to guide applicants through the process of applying for the ANC scheme online.
Applicants who do not tick the box to apply for the ANC scheme at the time of application, and subsequently wish to do so, are entitled to submit an appeal to the ANC section of the Department to request they be allowed to access the scheme on the grounds of Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstances. Applicants should set out the grounds of their appeal and provide any relevant supporting documentation. All appeals received will be reviewed and assessed on a case-by-case basis and provided with a written notification of the outcome of their appeal. Where an appeal is deemed to be unsuccessful by the Department, applicants are eligible to submit a further appeal to the independent Agriculture Appeals office.
Organic Farming
Questions (77)
Brian Leddin
Question:77. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional resources he is making available to support the development of organic farming in Ireland in view of the Irish target of 7.5% and the EU target of 25% of organic farmland by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37089/21]
View answerWritten answers
There is considerable growth in the organic sector in Ireland at present with the area of land under organic production now at approximately 74,000 hectares, an increase of nearly 50% since 2014. The current Programme for Government has set a new target for organic farming, to meet changing consumer trends in this area and has been a key priority of mine since becoming Minister.
This new commitment is to align Ireland’s organic land area with that of the current EU average of approximately 7.5% over the lifetime of this Government. This is the highest level of ambition ever set for the organic sector in Ireland and one which I fully intend to deliver. This will be delivered in a number of ways but principally through supports for the sector and closer integration of all links in the value chain from primary production right through to processing.
In 2018, the Department established the Organic Sector Strategy Group which was tasked with developing a National Organic Strategy for the development of the Organic Food Sector in Ireland for the period up to 2025. This strategy was published in January 2019. To assist the sector to realise its potential, an Organic Strategy implementation Group was established to monitor the implementation of the strategy. I believe its time that we review this strategy in light of the more ambitious targets for the sector.
Within the Organic Strategy, the lead role for the overarching cross sectoral action of market identification and activation is assigned to Bord Bia. Funding of €300,000 has been provided to Bord Bia for their Organic Marketing Plan in respect of 2021 and we are engaging with them on this. Developing new market outlets for our organic produce is essential if the sector is to develop.
I also recently announced the re-opening of the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme with an increased level of support of €1.2m for this year. Support is also provided under the Organic Capital Investment Scheme. Our main support is the Organic Farming Scheme to assist farmers converting and maintaining organic farming practices which I reopened this year after securing an additional €4m in the budget. I also intend to reopen this scheme again for 2022 subject to available funding.
Looking to the future, the Department is continuing to develop the CAP Strategic Plan in consultation with stakeholders through the CAP Consultative Committee and other forums. Consideration is currently being given to the measures that will be supported under the new CAP Strategic Plan which will include an enhanced support scheme for organic farming. These measures will ensure we have the tools to build on the success to date of the organic farming sector, which will assist in achieving our targets.
Organic Farming
Questions (78)
Matt Carthy
Question:78. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of agricultural land in the State that was in organic production or conversion to organic production at the beginning of 2021; the amount in production or conversion to date; and the target output by the end of 2021. [38156/21]
View answerWritten answers
The area of land under organic production at the beginning of 2021 was approximately 74,000 hectares, the vast majority of which has completed the in-conversion process. This is an increase of nearly 50% in the area of land under organic production since 2014.
A total of 317 applications were received under the 2021 Organic Farming Scheme. As the Basic Payment Scheme applications have not yet been finalised, the organic area of these applications is not yet available. Based on the average size of organic farms however, I believe there will be an additional 16,000 hectares brought into the Scheme in respect of these applications. This will equate to an increase of over 20% in the area of land farmed organically in 2021.
I 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. There is a strong correlation between this strategy and the EU Action Plan which is to increase consumer trust in organic food and to promote the conversion to and maintenance of organic farming methods.
The current Programme for Government has set a new target for organic farming, to meet changing 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 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.
Horticulture Sector
Questions (79)
Pauline Tully
Question:79. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department has taken to support the horticultural and mushroom sector in response to imminent crisis due to peat shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38177/21]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to peat extraction, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has no involvement in its regulation. This is a planning process under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and an Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) license process, under the remit of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
Following the publication of the review of the use of Peat Moss in the Horticultural Industry report, Minister Noonan proposed the establishment of a working group to include representatives from relevant Government Departments and State Agencies, Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations and industry stakeholders under an independent chairperson to examine the issues identified during the review. In this respect, the working group are addressing the key issues raised in the report itself, including future use of peat by the horticulture sector. The independent working group the working group sent an interim report to Minister Noonan at the end of May for his consideration. Minister Noonan and his officials are currently examining the report.
In addition to these developments, the Department is actively looking at alternatives to peat and has funded two research projects to date. It has also recently sought further research be conducted here to explore alternatives to peat based growing media for horticultural production in this area in its latest Research Call for 2021. These must be available, affordable and sustainable and meet quality as well as environmental requirements.
My Department also 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.