Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
838. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 806 of 14 December 2021, if his Department considered dedicated supports for small dairy farmers given that 1,888 or 12% of dairy farms have a family farm income of less than €20,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4543/22]
View answerI am committed to supporting the sustainable development of all farming sectors and ensuring there are a range of supports in place to do this. These supports are put in place with the aim of supporting the income of farming families and driving the sustainable development of the sector to ensure it`s long term ability to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly competitive global market.
The cornerstone of this support is the basic payment under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Another support currently in place falls under the Dairy Beef Calf Programme, which includes specific supports for dairy farmers who wish to rear calves from their dairy herd. There is a proposal to maintain this support through the Dairy Beef Calf Welfare Scheme in the new CAP Strategic Plan.
In addition, there are a range of schemes which dairy farmers can avail of under the incoming CAP Strategic Plan including the new agri-environmental scheme and the Organic Farming Schemes. Funding under Pillar II of CAP has been increased by over €900m in order to roll out a host of new schemes that will financially reward farmers to continue to play a leadership role in tackling climate change and addressing biodiversity and water quality. The new agri-environmental scheme under Pillar II will pay up to a maximum of €10,000/farmer. This will involve a move towards rewarding farmers for results-based outcomes, which will clearly contribute to overall environmental objectives.
Small dairy farmers are encouraged and welcome to apply for many of these supports.
