Holly Cairns
Question:150. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to assist farmers install renewable energy generation capacities on farms. [7041/22]
View answerRenewable Energy Generation
Questions (150)
Written answers
While overall national energy policy formation is the direct responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) my Department continuously engages with DECC on all energy related matters from an agricultural perspective, as well as a wide range of industry and other stakeholder groupings.
The importance of renewable energy generation, particularly from microgeneration, in mitigating against carbon emissions has been reflected in the inclusion of targets for this area in the recently released Climate Action Plan 2021 - Securing Our Future.
I see the role of Irish farmers in renewable energy systems as three-fold through:
- Establishing energy efficiencies on-farm.
- Through deployment of renewable energy at farm level; and
- As a supplier of biomass/ bio-energy feedstocks
As recently as December 2021, the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) was launched, which supports the deployment of an expected 380 MW of new micro (50 kW) to support the deployment of rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV. Landowners and farmers in particular will benefit from the move to renewables as set out under Food Vision 2030 - which clearly recognises that the agriculture sector has a key role to play in helping Ireland meet its renewable energy targets.
To help further encourage on-farm renewable technology uptake and usage, grant aid is provided through TAMS II to assist farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms. The solar PV systems grant-aided under TAMS include Solar PV Panels and Solar PV Rechargeable Batteries and Solar Panels for water heating under the Pigs and Poultry scheme.
There are growing numbers of applications under the TAMS schemes for the solar investments in particular, with over 113 applications receiving payment for solar investments to date. With grant aid under TAMS of 40 & 60% available to farmers it can be expected that application numbers under this scheme will continue to rise. This support for renewable energy investments will continue under the new Capital Investment Scheme.
In addition, the supply of biomass feedstock is an important element for the decarbonisation of heat systems in our agri-food industries and the sector will continue to be a key source of sustainable indigenous biomass material and in fact will double the resource between now and 2030.
Brexit Supports
Questions (151)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:151. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to support primary producers via the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. [6995/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) aims to provide financial support to the Member States, regions and sectors most affected by Brexit to deal with the adverse economic, social, territorial and, where appropriate, environmental consequences. Ireland, as the Member State most affected, has received a significant allocation of over €1 billion, or just over 20% of the entire Reserve.
The Designated Body for managing and deciding on the Reserve in Ireland is the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and it is co-ordinating Ireland's overall policy position on the BAR. The eligibility criteria set by the EU to qualify expenditure under the Reserve are stringent, and any proposed expenditure must demonstrate a direct link to negative impacts arising from Brexit.
Within my Department to date, €40 million has been allocated in 2022 for Brexit-related purposes, of which €32 million has been allocated to the fisheries sector, €1 million to the horticultural sector and €7 million to fund an Enterprise Ireland capital investment scheme for meat and dairy processing. This investment is being used to develop new products and markets and it is my hope that greater returns will be passed back to farmers and fishers as a consequence.
This scheme will support investments aimed at product and market diversification, and is jointly funded by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It is expected that the €40 million of funding as outlined, will be claimed by DPER as eligible for funding from the BAR.
My Department continues to closely monitor the impacts of Brexit on the agri-food and fisheries sectors, and to engage closely with DPER in the context of evaluating what impacts may qualify for further support from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.
Animal Welfare
Questions (152)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:152. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to introduce legislation to protect animals from cruelty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6798/22]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 application of the Act which is considered fully fit for purpose in protecting animals from cruelty.
My Department continues to enforce the law in this important area along with An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, and authorised officers from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
My Department works closely with these bodies and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved for their work in the field of animal welfare.
Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society and our courts regularly adjudicate on the issue of unnecessary suffering in cases brought before them.
My Department is currently assessing the penalties available under the Act in accordance with the commitment in the current Programme for Government.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (153)
Brendan Smith
Question:153. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is proposed to revise costings for farm improvement works to be grant-aided under TAMS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6998/22]
View answerWritten answers
The costings of individual items available under all the TAMS schemes are kept under continuous review during the lifetime of the scheme. Revised costings were introduced for investments twice since the opening of the scheme with the first coming in September 2018 and again in July 2021.
The costings revised with effect from 24th July 2021 applied to Tranches 23, 24 and 25. Tranche 25 is currently open for applications until 8th April 2022.
In light of the continuing fluctuations in the cost of building and manufacturing materials and supplies. all reference costs under TAMS II are currently being reviewed again by my Department. Any changes identified will be considered once this review is completed.
As was the case when reference costs were previously revised, the changes to the reference costs will apply to applications submitted on or after the date of introduction. I would also like to point out that it is open to applicants to withdraw an existing application and submit a new application should they wish to do so.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (154)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:154. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that are being considered to address the significant rise in fertiliser prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7026/22]
View answerWritten answers
The very significant rise in fertiliser prices in the last year and particularly in recent months, is particularly concerning. I am closely monitoring the situation and have been for many months. This is an international issue and is particularly linked to the international price of energy and gas.
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 was delighted to be able to launch the Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign at Teagasc Ballyhaise on the 26th January. This is a good and pragmatic roadmap. It will be good for the environment and good for the farmer's pocket.
In addition, 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.
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, 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.
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.
The impact of rising fertiliser prices on the competitiveness of the farming sector will continue to be a priority for my Department and is being closely monitored by my officials.
Departmental Strategies
Questions (155)
Richard Bruton
Question:155. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is developing a strategy to reward farmers for delivering environmental services as a regular source of income. [6833/22]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023-2027 will underpin the sustainable development of Ireland’s farming and food sector by supporting viable farm incomes and enhancing competitiveness, by strengthening the socio-economic fabric of rural areas, and by contributing to the achievement of environmental and climate objectives at national and EU levels.
Under the CAP Strategic Plan, farmers will be rewarded for delivering environmental services through two distinct pathways.
Firstly, the establishment of a voluntary eco-scheme incentive as part of Pillar I direct payments will financially reward farmers for providing additional environmental action.
Secondly, voluntary participation in results-based schemes established in Pillar II Rural Development Programme Schemes such as the proposed new National Agri-Environment Scheme (AECM), Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme, and Organic Farming Scheme will not only directly assist in meeting the targets outlined for a climate-neutral food system by 2050, but also assist in the financial sustainability of participating farmers.
In particular it should be recognised that the proposed new National Agri-Environment Scheme, will contain both results-based elements, i.e., that participants will have some options to be paid based on achieving measurable results, as well as delivering prescription-based actions (the payment model for the various iterations of REPS, AEOS and GLAS).
The potential to reward farmers for their carbon sequestration activities is also recognised under the recently updated All-of-Government Climate Action Plan 2021 which commits government to, “explore the development of a carbon farming model”. My Department are currently exploring how an enabling framework for carbon farming can be developed and although this work is at an early stage the potential rewards for farmers, and society in general, are clear.
It should also be noted that my Department will continue to reward both farmers and landowners for delivering environmental services through afforestation funding. Of particular relevance is funding provided under the Agroforestry Scheme and also the Woodland Environmental Fund which partners private businesses with farmers and landowners to establish native woodlands on farms with numerous environmental services occurring as a result of this activity.
Fishing Industry
Questions (156)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:156. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that Ireland has not secured any of the substantial increases in Atlantic bluefin tuna quota allocated to the European Union fishing fleets over recent years; and if he will publish all correspondence from his Department to the relevant European Union authorities over recent years aimed at securing such quota for Ireland. [6869/22]
View answerWritten answers
The available Bluefin Tuna quota is allocated each year to Member States on the basis of relative stability as established in the late 1990s. As the Deputy is well aware, at that time, Ireland did not have a track record of commercial fishing for Bluefin Tuna and, accordingly, did not receive a quota allocation.
The only way to obtain a share of the EU quota now would involve changing relative stability within the EU and would require a majority of Member States to agree under the qualified majority voting system. This means that EU Member States with a national quota would have to give up a share of their allocation to Ireland. Ireland would also undoubtedly be expected to give up a commensurate share of another stock in order to facilitate this change. Any change to relative stability would involve a loss for some other Member States and therefore poses particular challenges in a qualified majority voting context.
The CFP is reviewed every 10 years and the next review is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year when the European Commission will report to the European Parliament and the Council on the functioning of the CFP. I have made clear that this review must be detailed and comprehensive. At EU level, all stakeholders have an opportunity to engage actively in the review work including the fishing industry, eNGOs and Member States.
I am committed to doing all possible through the review of the CFP to secure additional quota where possible for Irish fishers. Yesterday, I announced the establishment of Common Fisheries Policy Review group of relevant stakeholders to examine the issues that arise for Ireland and advise me on priorities for the EU negotiations. The Group will be chaired by Mr. John Malone, former Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, and assisted by a steering committee comprising Mr. Micheál Ó Cinneide, former Director of the MI and EPA and Mr. Donal Maguire, former Director in BIM. The Group will involve representatives of key stakeholders, including industry representative groups and the environmental NGOs.
Forestry Sector
Questions (157)
Seán Canney
Question:157. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a new licensing regime for single forestry applications to include planting, thinning and felling of forests to give certainty to farmers and persons involved in the forestry business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5971/22]
View answerWritten answers
The MacKinnon report, commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to review the processes and procedures for forestry licenses in Ireland, recommended that there would be a review of the legislation on forestry and that this review should also examine the feasibility of a single consent covering planting, road construction, management and felling.
The Department, in response to this recommendation and working with the stakeholders under Project Woodland has engaged external consultants to conduct such a study and full examination of our regulatory system. Philip Lee Consultants were the selected company after a procurement competition had concluded and are currently carrying out an in-depth review of the forestry licensing system.
They are reviewing the existing statutory framework for the licensing of forestry activities in relation to environmental and public participation obligations in order that practical advice can be provided to the Department on how to work more efficiently within the existing legal framework. The question of a single consent process for all forestry activities is among the areas to be examined in this work. It is expected that this work will be completed by end-February.
In addition, a business systems analysis currently being undertaken by an independent systems analyst will interact with and run parallel with the regulatory review, so that best possible system improvements are delivered.
Alongside Project Woodland, we continue to make process changes to improve licensing output. There have been significant recent improvements in licensing figures and my Department issued 4,050 new forestry licences in 2021, which was 56% higher than 2020.
We expect to receive the final report from Philip Lee by end-February and will be engaging immediately with the stakeholders to examine its conclusions.
Trade Missions
Questions (158)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:158. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the destinations that are earmarked for trade missions to help expand existing and develop new markets for Ireland’s agri-food sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6871/22]
View answerWritten answers
My 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 T.D. as Minister of State with specific responsibility for these objectives.
To that end, Minister Heydon and I are 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 Heydon and I are planning to 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.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (159)
Sorca Clarke
Question:159. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to support producers of hemp in the State. [7001/22]
View answerWritten answers
Hemp is included as an eligible crop under the Basic Payment Scheme implemented by my Department. Any producer who grows hemp in Ireland, who has a licence issued by the Minister for Health, is entitled to apply to the Basic Payment Scheme.
The Deputy will be aware that Cannabis, which includes hemp is listed in Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 (S.I. No 173 of 2017), as amended, which means it is subject to the strictest level of control. It is an offence in Ireland to cultivate, import, export, produce, supply and possess cannabis except in accordance with a license issued by the Minister for Health.
Coillte Teoranta
Questions (160)
Emer Higgins
Question:160. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the progress of the Dublin Mountains Makeover Initiative to date; and if there are plans to incorporate additional mountain areas into the scheme. [7034/22]
View answerWritten answers
Coillte is a private limited company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and, as such, is operationally independent from my Department. I have, therefore, referred the matter to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.
Departmental Strategies
Questions (161)
Bríd Smith
Question:161. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether it is necessary to review the Food Strategy for 2030 in view of Ireland’s emission reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61544/21]
View answerWritten answers
The development of a new 10-year strategy for the agri-food sector is a key commitment of the Programme for Government, which called for an ambitious blueprint for the sector for the years ahead, supporting family farms & employment in rural Ireland and adding value sustainably into the future, with a strategic focus on environmental protection.
I was delighted to launch the new stakeholder-led strategy for the Irish agri-food sector, Food Vision 2030, with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Ministerial colleagues last August. The Strategy is honest and upfront about the challenges ahead. Crucially, it proposes solutions and charts a pathway to sustainability in all its dimensions – environmental, economic and social. One of the stand-out aspects of the Strategy is its adoption of a food systems approach, taking a more holistic view of agri-food by ensuring an interconnectedness between it and the areas of health & nutrition and the environment. Food Vision aims for Ireland to be a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems. Food Vision 2030 sets out 22 goals under four high-level missions that the sector must achieve if it is to fulfil this ambition:- A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector- Viable and Resilient Primary Producers, with Enhanced Wellbeing- Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad- An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent.There are seven Goals in Mission 1 “A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-food Sector”, which aim to deliver a climate-neutral food system by 2050, with verifiable progress achieved by 2030, encompassing emissions reductions, carbon sequestration, improvements in air quality, restoration and enhancement of biodiversity, improvements in water quality, development of diverse forests, enhanced seafood sustainability, exploring the bioeconomy and strengthening Origin Green. Food Vision recognises that environmental targets are set and updated by legislation. It outlines the goals and actions which will provide a strategic framework for achieving those legislative targets. Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2021, the most ambitious ever produced, was launched last November. The commitments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector are challenging but I know the sector is committed to the challenge. Delivering real results will require collaboration, cooperation, and a sense of shared responsibility between citizens, industry and the State to deliver our environmental ambitions.The success of Food Vision will depend on effective implementation and oversight and I chaired the first meeting of the Food Vision High-Level Implementation Committee in November. In line with one of the outcomes of that first implementation meeting, I recently announced the establishment of a Food Vision Dairy Group, whose first task will be to “produce a detailed plan by Q2 2022 to manage the sustainable environmental footprint of the dairy sector”. Given the importance of providing certainty for the sector, I have tasked the Group to provide an initial report to me by end March setting out how emissions associated with the dairy sector can be stabilised, and then reduced, with a final plan to be submitted by the end of quarter two.
A key priority for the Food Vision Dairy Group is ensuring that we continue to provide a platform of sustainability for our farmers and our sector, economically, environmentally and socially. The new Group is chaired by Professor Gerry Boyle and includes representatives from the farming organisations, the dairy industry, my Department and relevant agencies, and they met for the first time earlier this week.
Trade Promotion
Questions (162)
Brendan Griffin
Question:162. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made by his Department on market development over the past 18 months in particular overcoming the challenges of new barriers to existing markets; his views on whether this work will form part of the solution to the current crisis in pig farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6986/22]
View answerWritten answers
Gaining new market access and enhancing access to existing markets for Irish pigmeat exports is integral to my Department’s strategic approach to the development of the agri-food sector generally.
Ministerial led trade missions to priority markets, as well as technical meetings and inward visits and inspections, are a key part of our market development and market access strategy, in cooperation with Bord Bia and our embassy network.
Over the past two years, Bord Bia has developed a successful model of virtual trade missions, at a time when travel was not possible, keeping Ireland and its quality, sustainable, safe food offering, current, relevant and visible and in line with our Food Vision 2030 strategy.
During the pandemic, my Department has had some notable successes in securing new and enhanced market access, including opening Mexico for Irish pigmeat in May 2020.
The continued development of the pigmeat sector is a priority for me, given the pivotal role the industry plays in the national economic context. It is the fourth largest agri-food sector and has shown remarkable growth in recent years. The sector supports approximately 8,000 jobs spanning production, slaughter, processing, feed manufacture and services.
I am acutely aware of the gravity of the situation the sector is facing currently. The pigmeat sector across the EU experienced significant challenges in 2021, including the impact of African Swine Fever in a number of Member States and a consequential loss of third country markets. Obviously, these developments had a knock-on effect on supply and prices within the single market.
At a recent European Council of Agriculture Ministers, I expressed my concerns in relation to the difficulties facing the domestic pigmeat sector, including rising input costs for pig farmers and the sustained nature of the difficulties being experienced on the pigmeat market. I sought the rapid deployment of appropriate solutions for both. I reiterated these concerns at an Informal Meeting of Agricultural Ministers in Strasbourg earlier this week.
Both my colleague, Minister of State Martin Heydon, and I have had a number of engagements with pig industry stakeholders over the past fortnight. Last week (February 3rd) I attended a meeting with the IFA President and IFA pig committee members to discuss farmers' concerns.
At that meeting, I reiterated the Government’s commitment to support the sector, including through the advisory supports provided by Teagasc, and the promotion campaigns being undertaken by Bord Bia for quality-assured pigmeat products.
My officials are continuing to monitor the current market situation and are exploring all potential options available at EU and national level to assist in supporting Irish pig farmers through this significant market disturbance.
Animal Welfare
Questions (163)
Thomas Gould
Question:163. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of reports of equine abuse or neglect to his Department by county in 2021 and 2020. [7011/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Table below sets out the data requested - complaints received regarding the care equines (horses and donkeys) in 2020 and 2021.
+
|
County |
Equine Complaints 2020 |
Equine Complaints 2021 |
|
Carlow |
5 |
8 |
|
Cavan |
3 |
4 |
|
Clare |
36 |
38 |
|
Cork |
51 |
25 |
|
Donegal |
6 |
5 |
|
Dublin |
61 |
52 |
|
Galway |
52 |
60 |
|
Kerry |
14 |
13 |
|
Kildare |
24 |
24 |
|
Kilkenny |
7 |
6 |
|
Laois |
9 |
11 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
1 |
|
Limerick |
28 |
37 |
|
Longford |
3 |
0 |
|
Louth |
3 |
3 |
|
Mayo |
38 |
32 |
|
Meath |
6 |
9 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
3 |
|
Offaly |
2 |
6 |
|
Roscommon |
8 |
14 |
|
Sligo |
2 |
11 |
|
Tipperary |
33 |
28 |
|
Waterford |
6 |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
11 |
6 |
|
Wexford |
6 |
6 |
|
Wicklow |
18 |
20 |
|
TOTAL |
435 |
424 |
Animal welfare is high on the agenda of my Department and considerable resources and funding are provided to address the issue. In December 2021, I announced the provision of record funding of over €3.7 million to 98 animal welfare organisations throughout the country, many of which work with equines.
My Department work with and support local authorities and NGOs in progressing urban projects, which provide new structures and education projects with the aim of encouraging young people in the care and welfare of horses. There are currently projects at every stage from the initial feasibility and planning stages to the operating stage around the country.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (164)
Alan Dillon
Question:164. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking in response to the concerns of young farmers to support their transition into farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7079/22]
View answerWritten answers
I 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 €150m has been paid to over 6,149 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, strong national taxation measures assist land mobility and facilitate succession and are estimated to be 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 recently launched Brexit Impact Loan Scheme provides finance for working capital, investment and refinancing purposes. Offering unsecured loans up to €500,000, this product is particularly suited to young farmers. To date, 99 loans to the value of €10 million have been sanctioned to farmers. The Future Growth Loan Scheme was developed with assisting young farmers among its objectives and has been in great demand, with almost 1,300 loans to the value of €155 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.
Ireland's new CAP Strategic Plan was submitted for approval to the European Commission on 31 December 2021 with a view to commencing delivery in 2023. Stakeholder engagement through the CAP Consultative Committee and bilateral meetings with the main representative bodies will continue during this time. Under the 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 Scheme in 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.
Agriculture Industry
Questions (165)
Richard Bruton
Question:165. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proportion of agricultural output on which processors pay a premium for its environmentally sound production standards. [6834/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department tracks and reports on prices for commodities on the basis of current price reporting legislation. Bonuses paid by processors for meeting sustainability or any other commercially agreed criteria are not recorded by my Department as they are outside of the scope of the Department’s data collection and reporting remit.
However, depending on the sector, there may be bonuses payable as part of individual commercial arrangements and membership of a Bord Bia Sustainable Quality Assurance schemes may be one of the conditions.
Origin Green, the Bord Bia sustainability programme, operates at national level and includes farmers and primary producers, processors and retailers, working together. The sustainable quality assurance structure assists Bord Bia to market Irish product abroad; it gives assurance to customers as to provenance and how the product is produced including the steps at farm level.
There are a range of industry led bonus schemes in both the meat and dairy sectors. Such schemes are commercial matters between buyers and their supplier but are generally developed to help to drive efficiency and sustainability, and provide price certainty to farmers to help mitigate against market volatility. It is important that such incentive schemes are industry led to provide the best foundation for their success.
Food Vision 2030, the new stakeholder-led strategy for the Irish agri-food sector, was launched last year. Its vision is that Ireland will become a world leader in ‘Sustainable Food Systems’ over the next decade. This will deliver significant benefits for the Irish agri-food sector itself, for Irish society and the environment. In demonstrating the Irish agri-food sector meets the highest standards of sustainability – economic, environmental, and social – this will also provide the basis for the future competitive advantage of the sector.
Fishing Industry
Questions (166)
Pa Daly
Question:166. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on and position regarding the recent report of the Seafood Sector Taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6118/22]
View answerWritten answers
I established a Seafood Sector Task Force in March 2021 to examine the impacts on our fishing sector and coastal communities of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom and to make recommendations to me on initiatives that could be taken to provide supports for development and restructuring so as to ensure a profitable and sustainable fishing fleet and to identify opportunities for jobs and economic activity in coastal communities dependent on fishing.
I received the Report of the Seafood Task Force – Navigating Change on 11th October and it recommends a suite of 16 support schemes at a total cost of €423 million, including among other things recommendations for fleet decommissioning schemes, temporary tie-up schemes, capital investment schemes for seafood processing and aquaculture and in publicly owned marine infrastructure, and enhanced community led local development in coastal areas through the Fisheries Local Action Groups.
The report acknowledged that the assessment of the range of measures recommended, the development of detailed schemes, and submission for State Aid approval can only be approached on a phased and prioritised basis.
Already, I have implemented through BIM in 2021 the recommended Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme for the whitefish fleet and the recommended support scheme for the inshore fisheries sector is presently open for applications through BIM. I have also recently launched the recommended scheme for the development of publicly owned marine infrastructure, with the focus on small scale “shovel ready” Local Authority projects.
The remaining recommendations of the report are being urgently examined across Government with regard to available funds, eligibility of the recommended measures for funding under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve and with regard to State Aid rules and the Public Spending Code and this work is at an advanced stage.
Common Agricultural Policy
Questions (167)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:167. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to publish the CAP Strategic Plan in view of the fact that 16 other European Union member states have done so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6941/22]
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As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland's draft CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023-2027 was submitted to the European Commission on 31st December 2021. I am pleased to say that we were one of eighteen Member States to meet the regulatory deadline for submission of 1st January 2022. A copy of the draft CSP was shared last week with the CAP Stakeholder Consultative Committee, and was made available on my Department's website.
The formal EU approval process is now under way. The Commission will assess the draft Plan through extensive inter-service consultation, and based on the criteria laid down in the relevant regulations. It has three months to make formal observations, and we expect to receive its formal observation letter in late March/early April 2022. My officials will, of course, engage closely with the Commission as required throughout the approval process over the coming months.
I consider that the plan strikes an appropriate balance between the needs and demands of all stakeholders - of which there are many - and the need to secure approval from the European Commission, including in relation to the level of environmental and climate ambition to be attained.
The Department is also preparing the necessary administrative and IT systems that will underpin the new programming period from 2023.
This is complex work, with many new elements, including the extensive reporting requirements under the new performance framework. There is also a lot of work to be done in communicating the changes that will be introduced under the Plan to the farming community and other stakeholders, with whom we will continue to work closely as we move towards implementation of the plan in 2023.
The key is to ensure that crucial payments will be made on time to farm families in 2023.
Common Agricultural Policy
Questions (168)
Seán Sherlock
Question:168. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he has taken to ensure that afforestation opportunities are absolutely maximised through the next CAP in order to reverse the current trend. [7059/22]
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The planting of trees has the potential to play a significant part in our environmental priorities especially water quality, biodiversity and climate. As outlined in the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) tree planting actions have been included in both Pillar 1 and Pillar 2. The new Eco-Scheme (Pillar 1) includes a tree planting option as part of the menu of options that farmers can choose from.
The Pillar II Agri-Environment Climate Measure (AECM) includes significant tree planting actions for specific objectives, such as riparian buffers for water quality, in belts for ammonia capture near the farmyard or in rows, groups or as parkland.
In addition, the AECM actions also include a farm sustainability review in which farmers can discuss a plan for their whole farm, including the identification of areas suitable for tree planting. In cases where farmers show an interest in planting trees on an area exceeding 0.1ha, the individual farmer will be encouraged to consider entering the afforestation scheme under the National Forestry Programme.
As the Deputy may be aware, a national shared vision for the future of Ireland's trees and forests and a new Forestry Strategy are currently being developed as part of the work carried out in Project Woodland. This new Forest Strategy will underpin a new Forestry Programme for the period 2023 - 2027. An extensive public consultation process on the new strategy has commenced and I would encourage anyone interested in forestry to participate in this process.
The new Forestry Programme will be 100% exchequer funded and will be subject to State aid approval by the European Commission. The programme will aim to support significant levels of afforestation in line with the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021, and this will be complemented by tree planting measures under the CAP Strategic Plan
I would also like to point out that I recently secured cabinet approval to bring about changes to the Forestry Act 2014 which will make it easier to plant small areas of native trees, up to 1ha. The amendment to the Act will enable my Department to increase native tree planting as part of a scheme, which farmers will be eligible to apply for, by removing the requirement for an afforestation license for areas up to 1 ha. The proposed changes have just completed report stage in the Dail and have now been referred to the Seanad.
Programme for Government
Questions (169)
Brian Leddin
Question:169. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to fulfil the Programme for Government commitment to provide additional resources to monitor welfare standards by increasing the veterinary presence available on all live export consignments to third countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7004/22]
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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine only permits animals to be transported in compliance with the EU's animal welfare legislation, and Ireland's own national legislation regulating animal welfare in dedicated livestock vessels, which lays down more stringent controls that go beyond those in EU rules. Within the past two years, my Department has further enhanced the controls applied regarding animals on long distance transport, in particular relating to transport during hot weather.
An official veterinarian accompanied one voyage of cattle on a dedicated livestock vessel during 2020, and one voyage during 2021. The resurgence of COVID-19 in Ireland and throughout Europe during 2021 has made such accompaniment challenging. It is planned to resume such accompaniments once it is deemed safe, in line with the commitment set out in the Programme for Government.
The Government supports the live export of animals as it plays an important part in competition in the market-place for cattle in particular. In that context however, government demands that the highest welfare standards apply.
Department officials and inspectors monitor compliance through a system of official controls, including advance checks of paperwork and veterinary checks of the livestock vessel and of all animals before they travel, along with retrospective checks on GPS and temperature records. In general, animals travel well and arrive in good condition.