Written Answers Nos. 31-45
31. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his engagement with Ireland’s European Union partners on measures to prevent potential shortages of fertiliser in spring 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60781/21]
View answerI am very aware of the significant increase in fertiliser prices over the last year, particularly in recent months and its impact at farm level. I know this will be a challenge for many farmers in 2022.
The fertiliser market is largely driven by global supply and demand and, while there are a number of factors influencing fertiliser price, the major driving factors for the increase in prices are increased global demand due to strong growth in agricultural commodity prices, rising production costs due to increased raw material and energy costs, protectionism by global players and issues with supply for certain fertiliser products.
At the November Agriculture and Fisheries Council, I raised the increasing challenge faced by farmers due to the rising costs of inputs. I called on the EU Commission to consider all options to ease the pressure on farmers at this time, including the question of whether the imposition of anti-dumping duties on fertiliser imports continues to be appropriate and for this matter to be examined as a priority.
I subsequently wrote to the EU Commissioner for Agriculture requesting that the Commissions assessment of the ongoing appropriateness of anti-dumping duties on fertilisers is completed as a matter of priority. Just last week, I wrote to the EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski asking him to finalise the Commission’s examination of the tariffs.
I engage regularly with the farming organisations and have introduced a number of initiatives to support farmers reduce their dependence on fertiliser including a new initiative to support the planting of multi-species swards and a pilot Soil Sampling Programme. Additionally, I have tasked Teagasc with developing a roadmap for farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers on farms. I expect to be able to publish this report before the end of the year.
The impact of rising fertiliser prices on the competitiveness of the farming sector will continue to be closely monitored by officials in my Department.
32. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to meet organic conversion targets; and the estimated number of farmers and new hectares that he expects to enter organics in 2022. [60428/21]
View answerThe current Programme for Government contains 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. I have secured funding for the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) to meet this commitment by increasing the budget to €21 million in 2022, up from €16 million last year with another €2 million for further organic sector development measures. This builds on the reopening of the scheme in 2021 and means we are continuously taking in new entrants to organic farming.
This additional funding for the Organic Farming Scheme aims to provide for an extra fifty thousand hectares converting to organic production in 2022. The number of farmers expected to enter the OFS in 2022 depends on the number of hectares each brings into the Scheme. An additional fifty thousand hectares, as provided for in the Budget, would represent an increase in excess of 50% in the area currently farmed organically and takes us further along the route to the goal of 7.5% land cover.
At the same time, I will also be continuing 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.
In addition to the Organic Farming Scheme, my Department will provide funding for other supports for organic farmers, such as the Organic Capital Investment Scheme and the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme. Initiatives to assist in the development of the sector such as the Organic Demonstration Farm Programme and other training and education projects will also be funded.
I am committed to the growth of organic farming in Ireland and I believe that the supports which I have provided will assist in achieving our targets.
33. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that all farmers receiving notice of a penalty to their basic payment are advised through the same notice of their ability to appeal on force majeure grounds. [60851/21]
View answerThe Terms and Conditions of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) informs all applicants of their right to apply for Force Majeure and the circumstances under which it may be applicable. All applicants have access to these Terms and Conditions. When an applicant submits their annual online application, they must confirm that they have read and understood the Terms and Conditions.
Penalty letters issue under BPS for a number of different reasons such as late applications, overclaims or dual claims. All penalty letters include the steps that should be followed to seek a review/appeal.
Where an applicant wishes to rely on force majeure/exceptional circumstance, the obligation is on the beneficiary to notify in writing, to the Department, the occurrence of such an event. The notification has to be submitted, with relevant evidence to the satisfaction of the Department, within 15 working days from the date on which the beneficiary or the person entitled through him/her, is in a position to do so.
In addition, if an applicant that has a query in relation to their BPS application they can contact the Department's Direct Payments Helpline at 057-8674422.
34. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will introduce as a matter of urgency to ensure that there is an adequate supply of domestic peat for the mushroom and horticulture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60783/21]
View answerI am very well aware of the concerns in relation to the availability of peat which are generating challenges (volume and price) for the horticulture sector. As the Deputy knows, my Department is not involved in the regulation of peat extraction.
Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan T.D., established a working group to address the key issues relating to the use of peat moss in the Horticultural Industry. A final report from this working group is, I understand, due to be published in the coming period.
Officials in my Department continue to engage with officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department for Environment, Climate and Communications who are lead departments in terms of regulation of peat abstraction with a view to addressing supply constraints for the domestic horticulture industry.
Separately, my Department is actively looking at alternatives to peat and has funded two research projects to date under the Producer Organisation Scheme with further applications for funding under the 2022 Operational Programme being considered by my officials.
Furthermore, I am happy to say that under the Department’s Research Call for 2021, a Teagasc research proposal into growing media alternatives, “Beyond Peat” was approved in recent days for a grant of over €1.69 million in research funding. The primary objective of the ‘Beyond Peat’ proposal is to provide a clear and independent scientific assessment on the alternative materials to fully or partially replace peat usage in the professional horticulture in Ireland. The ‘Beyond Peat’ proposal is in addition to ongoing research by Teagasc supporting the transition from peat based mushroom casing materials to more sustainable alternatives.
35. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of applicants that applied for the Brexit tie-up scheme since September 2021 on a regional basis; the number that have been approved; the total cost of the provision of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60665/21]
View answerI launched a Brexit Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme in September 2021 on foot of the recommendation for such a scheme in the Report of the Seafood Sector Task Force - Navigating Change (October 2021). The Scheme was established as a targeted measure for certain segments of the fishing fleet to mitigate the loss of income in 2021 arising from the significant quota reductions under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The scheme is administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara and is proposed for funding under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve.
As recommended by the Task Force, the scheme is open to whitefish vessels in the Polyvalent and Beam Trawl segments of the fishing fleet and provides aid to vessels opting to tie-up for a calendar month during the October to December period, thereby freeing up quota for vessels that remain fishing. Vessels excluded by the UK from the Rockall squid fishery are eligible for an additional month of tie-up. Payments under the scheme are between €4,600 and €88,700 per vessel depending on the size of the vessel.
BIM has confirmed to me that a total of 229 applications have been made for tie-up in either October, November or December 2021 and a regional breakdown is provided in the accompanying table.
|
Region |
Number of Applications |
|
East (Dublin, Louth,Meath, Wexford, Waterford and Wicklow): |
73 |
|
South (Cork, Kerry): |
114 |
|
West (Galway, Mayo, Clare): |
22 |
|
North (Donegal): |
20 |
Of the applications received, 38 were deemed ineligible and a further 12 approved applicants declined the grant offer. As a result, 179 applicants will receive a payment under this scheme, at a cost of €10m approximately.
36. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 24 of 21 October 2021, the status of the wool feasibility study; when the final report will be published; the status of the stakeholder group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60769/21]
View answerWool is a natural substance that is sustainable, organic, renewable and which may be used in a range of products such as textiles, fertilizers, and insulation.
There are approximately 46,332 flock-keepers and 50 approved and registered wool stores registered with the Department, making it an important component of the agri-food sector.
A review of the potential demand for wool-based products such as for insulation and fertilisers in domestic and international markets is one of the initiatives included in the Programme for Government.
Following the €100,000 commitment in Budget 2021, I initiated a public consultation in March 2021 to identify the review's terms of reference, which included:
- identification of market opportunities domestically and internationally for wool based products;
- carrying out economic feasibility and cost benefit analysis on proposed market opportunities;
- determining mechanisms that could be used to support industry initiatives;
- identification of potential research projects applicable to supporting the identified market opportunities.
The respondents to the consultation - this stakeholder grouping - were also asked to make recommendations in relation to prospective market opportunities for wool products on the domestic and international markets. A total of 45 submissions was received from the stakeholders
The Request for Tenders (RFT) seeking service providers to carry out this study was published on 8th July, through a competitive public procurement procedure. The deadline for submissions was 9th August with five tenders received. I'm pleased to advise that I have recently appointed 'The Agile Executive,' a consortium of experts from Munster Technological University and Donegal Yarns, to conduct this study.
The Agile Executive has been contracted to conduct the review in accordance with the Terms of Reference and have been asked to review the submissions received during the public consultation process. The report is due for publication in March 2022 and I am hopeful that the recommendations will assist in the formulation of a robust policy roadmap for the Irish wool industry.
37. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the role his Department is playing to resolve the serious issues in relation to equine welfare in Cork city. [60785/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
This Act provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6th March 2014.
I am committed to the continued implementation of the Act which is effective and fit for purpose.
My Department enforces the law in this important area, and has addressed and resolved a number of welfare issues in recent years in both Cork City and County, working closely with An Garda Síochána and authorised officers from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and local authority officials.
Officials in my Department are aware that the issues referred to by the Deputy are in relation to the control of horses on Council land in Cork City.
The Control of Horses Act 1996 provides powers to local authorities, enabling them to control stray and wandering horses in their areas. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for each Local Authority, and they have powers under the act to appoint authorised officers within their area.
Efforts to reduce the number of stray horses are paying off. 817 horses were seized nationally in 2020, down significantly from a peak of 4,923 in 2014.
Figures provided by Cork City Council for the same period show a reduction in horse seizures from 176 in 2014 to 12 in 2020.
38. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the new measures in his proposed CAP Strategic Plan that will support young farmers and generational renewal. [60578/21]
View answerI am a strong supporter of generational renewal and the need to support young farmers as way of ensuring we have the best and brightest enter the sector.
The challenge of generational renewal is widely recognised both at national and EU level with the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) citing it as one of its nine key objectives. Food Vision 2030, the new stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector, also highlights the challenge of generational renewal and proposes a number of actions, including maintaining the strong level of current support, the promotion of land mobility & succession planning and increased education & promotion of the diversity of careers in the agri-food sector.
This reflects the need to ensure a vibrant agricultural sector equipped with skilled and innovative young farmers to respond to societal demands for quality food and environmental public goods. We all agree that facilitating generational renewal is critical to ensure a bright future for the agri-food sector.
As the Deputy will be aware, there are a range of measures both in the existing CAP and at national level that support younger farmers and facilitate generational renewal. Under the current CAP, the Young Farmers Scheme with payments of €110m benefitting over 8,000 farmers each year, and the National Reserve with €35 million allocated since 2015, provide financial support to young farmers during the crucial early years of setting up a farm enterprise.
Additionally, under the TAMS II Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme, young farmers can avail of a 60% grant rate as compared to the standard rate of 40% and over €133m has been paid to over 5,000 farmers to date. Additional support to young farmers is provided under the Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme.
These partnership structures are further supported through the availability of a tax credit at national level of €25,000 over five years to assist with the transfer of farms within “Succession Farm Partnerships”, promoting and supporting the earlier intergenerational transfer of family farms.
In addition, at national level, strong taxation measures assist land mobility and facilitate succession and are worth some €200 million per annum., Long-Term Leasing Income Tax Relief has been an important driver of land mobility by providing access to land and security of tenure for younger farmers and a route to retirement for older farmers. Almost 11,000 beneficiaries were supported under this measure in 2018 costing €27.2 million.
On access to finance, the Future Growth Loan Scheme was developed with assisting young farmers among its objectives and has been in great demand, with 1,294 loans to the value of €155.5 million sanctioned to farmers. In addition, Teagasc's education activities continue to focus on equipping young farmers with the necessary knowledge to build successful careers.
In terms of the new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), as the Deputy will be aware, my Department and I have been actively engaging with stakeholders throughout the process of developing the new plan. The SWOT analysis and Needs Assessment helped to shape the CSP draft interventions that were followed by a five-week public consultation in September 2021, with over 1,000 responses received. We have recently launched a Public Consultation on the draft Environmental Report on the draft CSP in November 2021 and submissions are being considered as the CSP is being finalised. Consultation is also continuing via the CAP Consultative Committee and through bilateral meetings with the main representative bodies.
Under the current CSP proposals, Ireland will implement the Young Farmers’ Scheme in the new CAP programme, dedicating some 3% of the direct payments ceiling to help young farmers establish their farming businesses. This allocation of approximately €35m per year will see qualifying young farmers benefit on a per hectare basis which will be more advantageous to young farmers than the current system, which was linked to payment entitlements.
The proposed rate will significantly increase from approximately €70/ha in the current programme to over €170/ha, with a maximum payment area of 50 hectares and payment on all eligible hectares, even those without corresponding entitlements. In tandem with this, we will also implement the National Reserve in each year of the new CAP to fund at a minimum the mandatory categories of young farmers and new entrants to farming.
In addition, a higher grant rate for qualified young farmers is proposed under the capital investment measure proposed under the CSP. The CSP will also continue to provide support for collaborative farming and will propose innovative ways to advise older farmers on succession and retirement options, which will increase the availability of land for younger farmers.
I am committed to supporting initiatives to facilitate generational renewal and will continue to engage with stakeholders to find the best approaches to support young farmers to ensure a bright future for the sector.
39. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that all poultry farmers who cull flocks in response to outbreaks of avian influenza in 2021 and 2022 receive compensation in a timely manner. [60430/21]
View answerThe Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 states that I, as Minister, may pay compensation to owners of animals if a cull of those animals is directed by my Department in the event of an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
The compensation may relate to the animal that is culled, or to an animal product, animal feed or similar item that is destroyed in relation to the outbreak. The compensation may not exceed the open market value of the animal or item.
Compensation is payable only to the owner of the animals or items affected. Consequential losses are not compensated for.
In November 2021, my Department developed valuation tables relating to the most common species and types of poultry in Ireland. This work was based on expert advice and input.
These tables will be used to quickly and consistently determine the compensation values and will to be used to determine compensation payable in the case of an outbreak of poultry disease that necessitates a cull. Since 2017, the valuation tables have been updated twice yearly.
In December 2020, there was one outbreak of notifiable Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8. Three flocks were depopulated on foot of this outbreak – the infected flock and two additional risk flocks as a precautionary measure. Compensation was paid to two of the owners with one outstanding due to a legal case.
In 2021, to date, there are four confirmed cases of the notifiable Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1, of which two have been depopulated and one in progress. My Department will pay any compensation due as quickly as possible.
We continue to closely monitor the situation and maintains close contact with stakeholders on the matter. My priority is working proactively with the sector to ensure that commercial flocks are protected.
It is vital that appropriate biosecurity measures are in place at all times in order to mitigate against an introduction of disease.
40. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he envisages new mechanisms to reward farmers for methane reduction in view of its recognised significant impact in the short-term climate challenge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60638/21]
View answerI am hugely supportive of the need to support farmers in our ambition to reduce methane emissions from agriculture. However, it is crucial that we do this is a way that maintains food production.
Earlier this year I launched the Food Vision 2030 strategy which has signalled an intention to reduce methane emissions by 10% by 2030. This level of reduction will be needed to contribute to the sector's climate goals.
As outlined in the Climate Action Plan, the main way to reduce methane emissions from a pasture-based production system in the medium term is to transition the beef system to a system of earlier finishing of animals. Currently prime beef cattle are slaughtered at 27 months and this can be reduced to 24 months over the course of the decade.
This will require support for breeding improvements but also a critical engagement by the beef processing sector to encourage and support farmers to finish their animals earlier and I continue to engage with them on this important matter.
New technology will also play a role, I note with interest a feed additive to reduce methane emissions was recently approved by the European Food Safety Authority. As carbon farming models are developed across the EU over the coming years, there is no reason why methane cannot be part of this discussion.
The 2021 Climate Action plan includes a commitment by my Department to explore the development of a carbon farming model and I intend to progress this commitment. There are exciting innovations ahead and we must ensure that Irish agriculture is ready to take advantage of these opportunities.
41. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the recent activity of his Department and Bord Bia to develop new markets for Irish agri-food produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60634/21]
View answerDeveloping market opportunities at home and abroad is one of the goals of Food Vision 2030, the overarching strategy for the development of the agri-food sector which was developed in collaboration with stakeholders and published in August.
Value-added opportunities will be maintained and created by the retention and the growth of existing market shares, development of new international markets and market segments, and product innovation. My Department and Bord Bia play an ongoing role in identifying and developing markets and engaging with key trading partners to enhance the global market share of Irish agri-food produce. Trade missions, facilitated by my Department, Bord Bia, and the Embassy network, are essential in developing market opportunities in international markets.
Bord Bia has shown great agility since the start of the pandemic in translating the key components of trade missions into a virtual format. Minister of State Martin Heydon, who has specific responsibility for new market development, and I have participated in a range of virtual events and meetings with key trade customers.
Most recently, we have participated in virtual events organised by Bord Bia promoting Irish dairy and meat exports to West Africa, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, China and Japan. Those markets were chosen because of their strategic importance for Irish agri-food exports and I have been hugely impressed by the level of engagement and interest from customers in our quality food and drink offering.
Opening and enhancing access to international markets is typically a lengthy process with negotiations often taking several years before bilateral agreements are concluded and trade can commence. Nonetheless we have made significant progress in diversification of markets. For example, I was pleased last week with the announcement that the US ban on sheep meat exports from the EU has been lifted. My officials will now engage with US authorities on the next steps to full access and to ensure that Irish sheepmeat exports to this valuable market will be able to commence as soon as possible.
42. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his target for organic conversion for 2025, 2027 and 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60842/21]
View answerThe current Programme for Government is committed to aligning Ireland’s organic land area with that of the EU average of 7.5%, which is also consistent with the target proposed by Agri-Food Strategy 2030. This is my commitment as Minister with responsibility for the area and all of our organic policies are designed to achieving this very ambitious goal.
In parallel, my Department continues to implement the actions outlined in the National Organic Strategy 2019-2025 to develop the organic sector in Ireland. This sets out ambitious growth targets in line with the market opportunities that exist in the sector and there are a number of actions in there for all stakeholders including agencies under my Department.
As an example of my commitment, I have also secured an increase in budget allocation for the Organic Farming Scheme in 2022 from €16 million to €21 million. This would facilitate an additional fifty thousand hectares of land under conversion. This would represent an increase of over 50% in the area currently farmed organically.
Furthermore, I have also proposed the allocation of €256 under the next CAP for the organic farming scheme. The Department is continuing to develop the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 based on this level of funding. The proposed enhanced payments to organic farmers will further support maintenance and conversion to Organic Farming. To attain the 7.5% land cover target will require an additional 80,000 new hectares every year during the lifetime of the CAP. These are our targets for organic conversion in the years in 2025 and 2027. I would hope that this momentum would carry through to 2030 and supports for that year will be a matter for a future CAP programme period.
Funding will also be provided in the coming years for additional supports for organic farmers such as the Organic Capital Investment Scheme, the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme, Organic Demonstration Farm Programme and other training and educational projects.
I am committed to the growth and development of the organic farming sector in Ireland and I believe that the funds available will assist in achieving our targets over the next CAP period and beyond.
43. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will broaden the criteria of capital funding schemes under his Department to allow for funding to progress marine activity facilities such as those required at Cromane, County Kerry which he recently visited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60432/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, I visited Cromane in September and I met with the Cromane Community Group to discuss the potential future development in Cromane Harbour and I believe that a shared goal exists to progress this project. Cromane Harbour Pier is owned by Kerry County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development rests with that Local Authority in the first instance and its parent Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, is the primary provider of funding for local authorities.
In view of the particular importance of such facilities to the marine economy, my Department has provided funding to assist in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways under the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Funding has always been subject to available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
Between the years 2010-2020, Kerry County Council has received funding of €1.9m under this programme. In May I was pleased to announce a 35% increase in the funding being made available to Local Authorities from the 2021 Programme. Kerry County Council securing over €200,000 to support three projects.
Recently, I received the Report of the Seafood Sector Task Force which makes recommendations to address the impacts on the fishing sector and coastal communities of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom. The Taskforce has specifically recommended an initiative of significant investment in publicly owned marine infrastructure to assist in diversification of economic opportunities to offset the effects of the TCA, particularly in communities dependent on fishing activity. Officials in my Department are actively engaged in examining what kind of mechanisms could be developed to leverage the Brexit Adjustment Reserve funding that Ireland has received for this purpose.
44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made to date to ensure that hedgerows, all small-scale planting and all small blocks of scrub are included in the national inventory calculations for carbon credits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60784/21]
View answerOn-farm carbon removals and carbon pool protection will play an important role in meeting the agricultural sectors challenging climate change targets over the next number of years.
It is important that the protection of carbon pools and the increased removal and storage of atmospheric carbon brought about through the activities of our farmers is not only recognised in the National Inventory Reporting accounting system but also that farmers receive the recognition for their efforts in this area.
In recent months significant funding allocations through my Department will allow for the better understanding of farm derived emissions and therefore this increased data source will allow for a more targeted policy approach by government to reduce or eliminate emissions.
I would like to highlight the recent establishment of the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory (NASCO) for the measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a range of different soil and farm types. The outputs from this project will place Ireland at the forefront of EU carbon sequestration research.
In tandem with the Soil Carbon Observatory I have also recently launched the Pilot Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme which will provide a baseline assessment of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) across the country.
In addition, Teagasc has also recently commenced a research project called “Farm-Carbon – Farm Hedgerows and Non-forest Woodland Carbon”. This project will provide a deeper understanding of hedgerows and non-forest woodland as carbon stocks in agricultural landscapes and will allow researchers to identify approaches to maintain and enhance this contribution.
The knowledge gained from these activities I believe will place Ireland at the forefront of research in carbon farming while also allowing for the refinement of our reporting to the National Inventory further emphasising the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
45. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way the new payment for ecological work out of pillar one funds will be calculated for each farmer; if the payment will have a relationship to the entitlements held by farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60443/21]
View answerWe are proposing a single Eco-Scheme, that will reward farmers for undertaking actions beneficial to the climate, biodiversity, water quality and the environment. The Eco-Scheme will be delivered in accordance with Article 31 (7) (b) of the new CAP Strategic Plan Regulation and will be based on income foregone and costs incurred.
This scheme will be implemented annually and will be open to all active farmers, allowing them to opt in or out on an annual basis and also to change their selected agricultural practices from year to year if they so wish. Farmers will have to take two agricultural practices from the current list of eight to receive their full Eco payment.
Following a deep and meaningful engagement with farmers and their representatives, I am proposing the following the following list agricultural practices in the Eco-schemes:
1. Space for Nature – at least 7% of a farmer’s holding must be devoted to biodiversity, habitats or landscape features, building on the 4% requirement for all farmers already set under GAEC 8 as part of Conditionality. Where the farmer commits to at least 10%, this counts as two actions for Eco,
2. Extensive Livestock Production
3. Limiting Chemical Nitrogen Usage,
4. Planting of Native Trees and hedges – the commitment here is to plant 3 native trees per eligible hectare or 1 metre of hedgerow. Where a farmer commits to plant double that (6 native trees or 2 metres of hedgerow per eligible hectare), that will count as two Eco actions,
5. Use of a GPS-controlled fertiliser spreader and or GPS spreader,
6. Soil Sampling and Appropriate Liming on all eligible hectares,
7. Enhanced Crop Diversification – where a farmer has a crop diversification requirement, s/he can plant a break crop (beans, peas, oilseed rape or oats) on at least 25% of their arable area, and
8. Sowing of a Multi Species Sward
The Eco-scheme is not related to BPS entitlements held. Active farmers who participate in the Eco-scheme will receive payment on eligible hectares claimed.
Farmers with no entitlements or a lesser number of entitlements than the number of eligible hectares they claim can still apply for and receive support under Eco-Schemes on all their eligible hectares.
