Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
1519. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the interim solutions being considered to support farmers impacted by EU Directive 2019/904 prohibiting products in Ireland used to cover maize grown; the interactions he has had with organisations, farmers and the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41446/21]
View answerAs outlined to the Deputy in my reply of 15th July, the provisions of Council Directive 2019/904 were signed by the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Communications in SI 326 of 2021 on 2nd July. The provisions of these Regulations prohibit the marketing of single use plastics including films of the type used to cover sown maize.
The legislation in question relates specifically to the marketing of single use plastics from 3rd July 2021. Maize growers may use existing stocks of maize plastic present on their farms that were purchased prior to the commencement of this legislation.
I understand that the sector continues in its efforts to develop alternative products for use in the sowing of maize that will be compliant with these new Regulations.
I have recently engaged with the industry and both I, and the Department, are available to continue to engage with the sector along with our counterparts in the Department of the Environment, Climate Change and Communications.
In parallel, in terms of support for the sector, my Department re-commenced Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) trials for uncovered maize, in 2020 as a means to identify varieties better suited to Irish growing conditions and which do not require plastic covering. This work will build on the 2015 Uncovered Recommended List in which a high performing variety was identified and is currently available on the Irish market for growers.
