Written Answers Nos. 99-116
104. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the forestry licensing situation for tree felling licences for the private sector is resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7055/22]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued 4,050 forestry licences last year which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020 albeit this was a low output year. Of these, 1,345 licences were for the private felling sector. This was second highest amount issued to them in the last five years and was 60% higher than the previous year.
We issued more private felling licences last year than applications received which is very encouraging and this trend has continued into early 2022. We are proposing to issue 1,800 private felling licences in 2022 which would be a 36% increase over last year.
Critically, the availability of this volume of timber licensed in 2020, at nearly 8.5 million cubic metres, stabilised supply to the processing sector in 2021. This is the highest volume of timber licensed in a single year.
In addition, 264 kilometres of forest roads were licensed, more than double the target in the Climate Action Plan 2019. This is also the highest ever volume of forest roads issued in a single year. Forest roads enable the haulage of timber from harvested forests.
At the beginning of January 2022, the Department had 4,803 licence applications on hand. This figure has reduced from 6,100 in August 2021. There will always be applications in the system, making their way from application stage to a licence. The Forestry Licensing Plan for this year is finalised and has been published. It will build on the momentum achieved in 2021 and continue to issue tree felling licences.
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, I remain fully committed to delivering a licensing system which will meets the needs of the sector and of society and recent licensing trends demonstrate that we are making significant progress towards achieving this.
105. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made at training farm advisers to help signpost farmers to mental health supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6792/22]
View answerThank you Deputy for addressing this very important topic.
My Department has co-funded, with the HSE and the Department of Health, a farmers physical and mental health awareness programme: called ‘On Feirm Ground’.
The programme developed a 'Train the Trainer' programme that is currently being delivered nationally to those employed as farmer advisors. It is providing training for agricultural advisors to engage with and signpost farmers to supports in relation to health and wellbeing. To date 128 agricultural advisers have been trained and a further 105 are registered to attend a further seven training courses this February.
Further training of agricultural advisors is planned for June of this year.
Farming is a wonderful and exciting profession and I want to ensure that all supports are in place to help farmers with all aspects of physical and mental health.
108. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of felling licences and afforestation permits granted in total in 2020 and 2021, respectively; the number of applications outstanding or undecided for felling licences and afforestation permits at 1 January 2020, 1 February 2021 and 1 January 2022, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7080/22]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued 4,050 forestry licences last year, which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020 and met our revised target of 4,000 licences. It is our intention to build on this momentum in 2022 and the Forestry Licensing Plan for 2022 was published last week.
The Plan details a range of forestry priorities for the year and specifically on licensing that
- The licensing plan contains a target of 5,250 licences issues, which is a year-on-year increase of 30%.
- A higher priority will be given to afforestation licences for 2022 with a 107% increase in output up to 1,040.
- There will be a year-on-year increase of 48% of private felling, roads and afforestation files. Coillte felling licences will maintain the levels they achieved in 2021.
- The Department will also refocus on the delivery of most approvals from several schemes including Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) (Ash Dieback), the Reconstitution of Woodland Scheme (Frost), the Native Woodland Scheme and a proposed small-scale planting scheme for up to one hectare of native species.
In 2020, the Department issued 525 afforestation and 1,717 tree felling licences; in 2021 that number was 502 and 2,877 respectively. Overall in 2021, with the exception of Coillte, we issued more licences than we received from applicants.
In January this year, 64 afforestation and 293 licences were issued which is a very good stat to the year. At the beginning of January 2022, the Department had 4,803 licence applications on hand. This figure has reduced from 6,100 in August 2021. As with the second half of last year, we expect to continue more licences that we receive throughout 2022.
109. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of afforestation licences that were allocated in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022. [7058/22]
View answerIn 2020, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued 525 forestry licences and in 2021 that number was 502. In January this year, 64 afforestation licences were issued.
The Department issued 4,050 forestry licences last year, which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020, and met our revised target of 4,000 licences. It is our intention to build on this momentum in 2022 and the Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 was published last week. This will have a significant focus on afforestation.
The licensing plan contains a target of 5,250 licences issues which is a year-on-year increase of 30% and includes:
- A higher priority will be given to afforestation licences for 2022 with a 107% increase in output targeted up to 1,040.
- There will be a year-on-year increase of 48% of private felling, roads and afforestation files. Coillte felling licences will maintain the levels they achieved in 2021.
- The Department will also refocus on the delivery of most approvals from several schemes including Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) (Ash Dieback), the Reconstitution of Woodland Scheme (Frost), the Native Woodland Scheme and a proposed small-scale planting scheme for up to one hectare of native species.
A greater concern for all of us must be that the number of afforestation applications has continued its downward decline in 2021. Reversing this trend, I believe requires a concerted effort now, from everybody with an interest in seeing more trees planted in Ireland. 2022 will be a big year for farmers with the arrival of a new CAP and new Forestry Programme and it is important that the benefits of afforestation are well understood by them.
The Department is, as always, ready to play its part and assist in improving communications. We understand of course that improved licensing output has a role to play hence the importance attached to improved licensing output in 2022.
However, positive messaging around the benefit of afforestation is the responsibility of all, particularly those with a direct line of communication to farmers and landowners.
112. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the solutions he has put in place to save many farmers from wipe-out in 2022 due to the astronomical increases in fertiliser costs for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7081/22]
View answerI am acutely aware of the impact rising input costs has on farmers, their families and businesses.
The very significant rise in fertiliser prices in the last year and particularly in recent months is particularly concerning. There are a number of factors at play in the market including energy prices which remain well above January 2021 levels. Increased global demand particularly from the big grain-producing countries, controls of fertiliser exports from large fertiliser producing countries, increased transport costs and EU-imposed tariffs and duties on certain Third Country imports are all impacting prices here for our farmers.
I have been following the rising fertiliser price issue closely for the past number of months. In October 2021, I tasked Teagasc to lay out a credible roadmap to assist farmers in the short-term, as well as offering a long-term solution in the move to reduce dependency on chemical fertiliser. I launched the Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign at Teagasc Ballyhaise on the 26th January.
This is a strategy that can ease the price pressure on farmers. It is a strategy that will be good for the environment and good for the pocket.
I have raised the issue a number of times at European level too. At the November Agriculture and Fisheries Council, I again raised the increasing challenge faced by farmers due to the rising costs of inputs. I called on the EU Commission to seriously 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.
Following the November meeting, I wrote to the EU Commissioner Wojciechowski requesting that the Commissions assessment of the ongoing appropriateness of anti-dumping duties on fertilisers is completed as a matter of priority. The EU Commission responded, on 26th January, to say that they are still collecting information to establish the relevant facts.
In the meantime, Teagasc will continue to work with farmers through the Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser campaign to help farmers to adapt to the current fertiliser market and support them to make informed decisions on what is best for them and their farms.
Teagasc has put together a comprehensive information pack for farmers and their advisors - through a compendium of 20 factsheets - to optimise the use of plant nutrients and to help farmers address the challenge of maintaining their farm outputs in the face of rising fertiliser costs and reduced availability.
In addition, a new €1 million initiative by my Department will support the planting of multi-species swards in order to reduce dependence on fertilisers.
A pilot Soil Sampling Programme has also been introduced, which will provide farmers with comprehensive details of the soil health and soil condition of their farm.
As the Deputy can appreciate, Ireland is a relatively small market in respect of fertiliser sales and their usage compared to many of our EU neighbours. As a result, Irish fertiliser companies are price-takers that are dependent on global fertiliser supply and demand. It is to be hoped that we may see a levelling off at least of some of these contributing rising price factors this year. This is not to diminish the pressures being faced by out farmers today, however.
The initiatives I have introduced should support farmers reduce their dependence on fertiliser. I assure this House that both me and my Department will continue to closely monitor the situation. We will continue to examine all options to ease the burden on farmers in the short and long term.
113. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the significance of data monitoring, reporting and verification in order that the reduction of farm-related emissions are reflected in national figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6879/22]
View answerI thank the Deputy for raising this important issue of data measuring, reporting and verification (MRV). While ultimately this a matter for the EPA and my Government colleague Minister Ryan in terms of the reporting of the inventory, I am happy to provide my views.
Measurement, Reporting and Verification is something that is going to take on increased significance in the context of achieving our climate targets over this decade. Agriculture and Land based emissions are broken down into two inventory categories, the agriculture inventory and the Land use, land use change and forestry inventory, more commonly referred to as LULUCF.
In terms of the agriculture inventory, the main sources of information that impact on the inventory are derived from the Central Statistics Office. Data sources include dairy cow numbers, suckler cow numbers, and sheep numbers. The fertiliser sales statistics also play a key role in determining total emissions.
The LULUCF inventory is more complicated from a Measurement Reporting and Verification perspective. 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 recognised in the National Inventory Reporting accounting system.
In recent months significant funding allocations through my Department will allow for the better understanding of farm derived emissions.
In this regard, I 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.
The knowledge gained from these activities 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.
114. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the research priorities of both his Department and agencies under its remit to assist farmers in reducing emissions on their farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6880/22]
View answerThe reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture and the central role farmers can play in this, while protecting farm family incomes, is a key priority for the Government. The Food Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to facilitate a sustainable and competitive agri-food system that is climate resilient and neutral, putting research and innovation at its core and I am glad to have the opportunity today to mention just a few of these investments.
At the outset, it is important to say that my Department provides funding for “public good” research through national and international competitive funding mechanisms. In addition, much of the grant-in-aid allocation to Teagasc, such as the €147m provided in 2021, is directed towards research and farmer advisory activities related to climate-smart and sustainable agriculture.
The strong commitment of my Department to research in the area of climate change is demonstrated by last year’s national call under the Department’s thematic research strand. This provided funding of over €12 million to 10 projects in climate and environment related research, accounting for 60% of the overall spend in this call. This will build on previous research in developing the necessary tools, technologies, and practices to reduce and mitigate GHG emissions from ruminant livestock, sequester carbon and improve the health of agroecosystems.
The Food Vision 2030 Strategy highlights some specific areas for enhanced research, including novel feed additives for reducing methane emissions, grass and multi-species swards that require lower levels of nitrogen inputs, grass biorefining for increased nitrogen efficiency and lowering emissions, and animal genetics that enable the breeding of livestock with lower emissions.
I am following through on these recommendations in the various funding instruments my Department operate and this will build on previous commitments made. For example, the ‘Meth-abate’ project which has screened a range of potential feed additives and is testing their effects on reducing emissions. Or the ‘GreenBreed’ project which has developed an index to rank dairy bulls on expected carbon output, which can then be combined with the Economic Breeding Index (EBI) to breed animals that are more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.
The Food Vision 2030 Strategy also points to the need for Irish research to build partnerships and collaboration internationally. This is an area that my Department has been active in through a dedicated International Outreach Strand. In 2021 for example, my Department committed up to €2.5m through European initiatives to research calls in the areas of GHG emission reduction and soil Carbon sequestration. We have also been longstanding members of the Global Research Alliance for Agricultural Greenhouse Gasses and more recently, have partnered on the United States-United Arab Emirates led initiative, the ‘Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate’, which will lead to an increased investment in climate related research. Our involvement in these international research efforts enable the exchange of scientific expertise and exploit synergies and efficiencies in areas such as experimentation and research infrastructures. I believe this is critically important for addressing shared global challenges, such as Climate Change, and I intend to build on these going forward.
Finally, I believe it is also important to point to the role that knowledge transfer and extension services have in translating the outputs of all these research efforts into practical applications on farms. If research outputs are not adopted by the end-user, it is a waste of resources. Developing a dynamic knowledge exchange environment is a core ambition in the Food Vision 2030 Strategy and initiatives such as the SignPost Farms programme, or the proposed Knowledge Transfer Programme in our CAP Strategic Plan, can play a significant role in ensuring farmers have access to the latest research outputs.
Sustainability in its all its guises - economic, environmental and societal - are key to protecting and enhancing our sector over the next decade.
115. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the destinations for official trade missions planned by his Department for 2022. [7071/22]
View answerThe Department continues to support the ambition of the Irish agri-food sector to grow both the value and volume of our exports to international markets. The promotion of Ireland's high-quality, safe, nutritious, and sustainably produced food remains a core objective of my Department and its agencies.
Indeed, this Government's commitment to new market development, enhanced market diversification and continued consolidation of our traditional markets has been demonstrated by the appointment of Martin Heydon TD as Minister of State with specific responsibility for these objectives.
To that end, I am commencing critical engagements in overseas markets next week with a Trade Mission to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. This Mission will include Government-to-Government discussions and engagements with key Irish customers. It will also encompass Gulfood, one of the world's largest food fairs, and EXPO 2020 in Dubai.
This visit forms part of an intensified programme of trade missions that will be undertaken this year. In late April, Minister of State Heydon and I will lead a Trade Mission to the United States and Mexico. Further missions in the second half of 2022 will be focused on South East Asia, including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and China.
The selection of these particular destinations is informed by the comprehensive market prioritisation analysis that has been undertaken by Bord Bia in recent years, and will complement the continuing programme of virtual engagements with overseas governments and clients - a model that has been developed very effectively since the advent of the pandemic.
