Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022
853. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current use of clover in reseed swards; the targets for the future adoption of same; the supports available to encourage the use of clover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15913/22]
View answerMy Department acknowledges the important role that clover can play in reducing our dependence on chemical nitrogen fertiliser. This is particularly relevant now given the cost of fertiliser.
With the exception of farmers availing of a Nitrates Derogation, the use of clover when reseeding is optional for each farmer to decide, however given the benefits that it brings, most grass seed mixes marked in Ireland now contain at least some clover.
Last week I announced a package of measures worth over €12 million to provide support for Irish farmers in response to the current cost issues that they are experiencing. This package included the Multi-Species Sward Measure which launched last Friday, 25th March. Clover forms a key constituent of multi-species swards and subject to farmer uptake and seed availability, it is anticipated that this Measure will establish approximately 12,000ha of multi-species swards over the coming months.
My Officials are currently working to develop the other initiatives announced in last week’s package, including the Red Clover Silage Measure. Further details on this measure will be available shortly.
To further promote the benefits of clover, Teagasc will run a nationwide series of clover farm walks during the month of April.
Looking to the longer term, and in recognition of the role clover can play, Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan includes a proposed Eco-Scheme action which will require farmers to sow a multi-species sward on at least 6% of their eligible area if they select this as an Eco-Scheme action. Subject to European Commission approval this support will be available to farmers from 2023.
