Written Answers Nos. 831-850
831. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the hectarage of farmland designated as protected and subject to actions requiring consent; the average holding size by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16702/22]
View answerNatura is made up of Special Protection Areas (SPAs), established under the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC), and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), established under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). Responsibility for Natura lies with the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) in Ireland.
Natura agricultural lands form a significant part of the overall eligible agricultural area within Ireland's Land Parcel Identification System and are an important resource, not only in terms of agricultural production but also in terms of biodiversity.
Each year, my Department, accepts online applications from farmers for payments under a wide range of area-based schemes, for example Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), Greening, Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) etc. These claims are recorded within the Land Parcel Identification System. It is from these agricultural areas declared by farmers that my Department has drawn the information on with regard to Natura status.
The following table gives details based on 2020 data on the number of farmers claiming on an eligible agricultural parcel that is also Natura, along with the eligible Natura area per county. It also shows the average claim per county.
2020 Natura Data
|
County |
Number of Farmers (Natura)1 |
Natura Area2 |
Average Claimed Area3 |
|
CARLOW |
366 |
3,584.26 |
9.79 |
|
CAVAN |
519 |
8,272.96 |
15.94 |
|
CLARE |
1582 |
34,506.93 |
21.81 |
|
CORK |
1961 |
32,969.99 |
16.81 |
|
DONEGAL |
2773 |
57,540.67 |
20.75 |
|
DUBLIN |
48 |
1,929.31 |
40.19 |
|
GALWAY |
3923 |
79,749.33 |
20.33 |
|
KERRY |
3174 |
103,884.99 |
32.73 |
|
KILDARE |
83 |
624.54 |
7.52 |
|
KILKENNY |
519 |
4,473.70 |
8.62 |
|
LAOIS |
506 |
5,666.99 |
11.20 |
|
LEITRIM |
646 |
14,547.32 |
22.52 |
|
LIMERICK |
1049 |
15,190.04 |
14.48 |
|
LONGFORD |
140 |
1,348.59 |
9.63 |
|
LOUTH |
190 |
2,934.65 |
15.45 |
|
MAYO |
3972 |
88,287.20 |
22.23 |
|
MEATH |
178 |
1,411.03 |
7.93 |
|
MONAGHAN |
73 |
878.90 |
12.04 |
|
OFFALY |
326 |
4,426.85 |
13.58 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
763 |
6,132.89 |
8.04 |
|
SLIGO |
932 |
19,922.95 |
21.38 |
|
TIPPERARY |
1136 |
19,773.76 |
17.41 |
|
WATERFORD |
439 |
10,184.26 |
23.20 |
|
WESTMEATH |
265 |
2,934.03 |
11.07 |
|
WEXFORD |
367 |
5,269.14 |
14.36 |
|
WICKLOW |
350 |
21,133.65 |
60.38 |
832. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagements he has had with fertiliser producers in Ireland in relation to a way to alleviate the crisis facing farmers regarding the price and availability of fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15764/22]
View answer866. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagements he has had with fertiliser producers in the State; the steps he has taken as to the way to alleviate the crisis facing farmers regarding the price and availability of fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16171/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 832 and 866 together.
It is important to set out at the outset that Ireland does not manufacture fertiliser and is consequently dependent on the international marketplace for fertilisers, subsequently blended by Irish companies. There is ongoing engagement between my Department and the fertiliser sector in Ireland. Fertiliser companies provide sales data on a quarterly basis to my Department.
Additionally, I met with representatives of both the Irish Fertiliser Manufacturers and Blenders Association and the Fertiliser Association of Ireland on 10 March where we had a useful discussion on the challenges facing the industry arising from the ongoing serious situation caused by Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine, including the impact on fertiliser price and availability.
I raised concerns in relation to the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on agri-food supply chains, and especially on input costs at the extraordinary informal meeting of European Union Agriculture Ministers held on 2nd March. I underlined the need for market support and the need to maintain supply chains and to ensure an effective and functioning Single Market.
At the AgriFish Council of 21st March, I asked the EU Commission, as part of its work on monitoring markets, to keep a very close eye on the issue of fertiliser availability across the EU and to be ready to consider any measures that may help to alleviate the difficulties caused. The EU Commission is considering bringing in a private storage aid scheme for the pigmeat sector, as well as allowing other exceptional measures at Member State level to respond to market disturbances.
At a meeting of farm organisations on 8th March, I established a National Fodder and Food Security Committee to explore all options to minimise the impact on farms and plan in the short to medium term. This Group continues to meet and it is expected that its outcomes will be presented shortly.
I announced a package of targeted interventions for the tillage sector and a multi-species sward initiative worth over €12 million to support Irish farmers. The package supports the growing of additional tillage and protein crops and the establishment of multi-species swards lowering demand for chemical fertiliser.
I continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and both my Department is actively engaging with the fertiliser industry to evaluate stock levels and availability and assist in ensuring the ongoing continuity of supply. I will continue to back our farm families and their businesses through this challenging time.
833. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered increased targets and funding regarding the use of multi-species swards, organic farming or liming arising from the current crisis regarding the price and availability of fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15765/22]
View answerI announced a package of measures last week worth over €12 million to support Irish farmers as part of the Government's response to the cost increases and challenges currently facing the sector. To reduce reliance on chemical nitrogen, this package includes support for farmers who wish to establish multi-species swards and/or red clover silage swards.
The Multi-Species Swards Measure was launched last Friday and remains open for applications until 4th April 2022. My Department is working on other initiatives within the package of measures, including the Red Clover Silage Measure which I expect to launch shortly.
Subject to farmer uptake and seed availability, these measures aim to establish approximately 12,000ha of Multi-Species Swards and 4,000ha of Red Clover Silage Swards. It is important to highlight that the target area in these schemes is limited by the availability of seed, most particularly clover and also herds.
Last year I launched the Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme where sampling and analysis, including testing for soil pH, is provided free of charge for farmers. This provides information on lime and other soil requirements which assist improving nutrient use efficiency.
To achieve optimum soil pH on intensive farmers, under the Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations, a liming programme is required for each holding with a grassland stocking rate of 170 kg organic Nitrogen per hectare, or above prior to export of organic manure.
The Organic Farming Scheme is currently open for applications. This year, an additional €5m has been allocated to the Scheme to facilitate additional farmers entering organic farming. Under Ireland's draft CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) €256m has been allocated to this Scheme, with increased payment rates across all sectors and a target of significantly increasing Ireland's area under organic production by 2027.
Ireland's draft CSP which is currently being considered by the European Commission, also includes Eco-Scheme options relating to establishment and correction of soil pH, as well as sowing of multi-species swards.
834. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered adjusting the requirement in TAMS resulting in farmers being unable to participate in the micro-generation support scheme arising from the need for TAMS-funded solar panel equipment to provide electricity exclusively on-farm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15766/22]
View answerGrant 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 includes Solar PV Panels and Solar PV Rechargeable Batteries.
Currently all grant aid for TAMS II investments must be for on farm use only as this is a requirement of the EU Regulations.
The Microgeneration Support Scheme was launched in December 2021 provides a range of supports to assist homes, businesses and farms to develop renewable generation for self-consumption and also provides a micro-generation enabling framework to introduce payments to micro-generators for exported electricity. See www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bfe21-homes-farms-businesses-and-communities-to-benefit-as-minister-ryan-announces-the-micro-generation-support-scheme/ for further detail.
835. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of pig farmers who are Bord Bia quality assured and send more than 200 pigs to slaughter per annum, by county, broken down by the number of pigs sent to slaughter in bands of 200-249, 250-299 and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15767/22]
View answerThe Bord Bia Pigmeat Quality Assurance Scheme (PQAS) sets out the requirements for best practice in pig production at farm level. It provides a uniform mechanism for recording and monitoring pig quality assurance criteria on the farm with a view to achieving continuous improvement in production and a uniform mechanism for standards. The Scheme is accredited under ISO17065. The Bord Bia Pigmeat Quality Assurance Scheme is a voluntary one and producers seeking membership apply directly to Bord Bia.
Arrangements pertaining to the running of the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme, and associated statistics, are operational matters for Bord Bia.
836. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of agroforestry plots planted per year since 2012, by county; his proposals to increase same; the targets associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15768/22]
View answerThe Forestry Programme 2014-2020 (extended to end of 2022) introduced Agroforestry as a Grant and Premium Category under the Afforestation Scheme. Agroforestry had not previously featured in Ireland’s forestry support schemes and the measure is mainly targeted at silvopastoral Agroforestry systems which combine forestry and pasture, including grazing and the growing of fodder. The Programme contained a cumulative target of the establishment of 195ha of Agroforestry between the years 2015 and 2020. To the end of 2021, 42 ha of new agroforestry systems were established, as per yearly breakdown given in the table below.
|
Year |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Area of Agroforestry established (ha) |
0.58 |
5.07 |
6.84 |
0.71 |
24.95 |
3.76 |
It should also be noted that since Agroforestry was introduced, my Department has received 90 applications for a total area of 334ha, of which 18 applications, comprising 42ha, were approved and subsequently planted.
A number of applications were withdrawn by the applicants before the approval process was finished and approximately a third of the applications was approved, but have not progressed to planting, yet. 22 agroforestry applications are currently being processed, comprising an area of 122ha.
The Programme offers substantial grants and premiums for farmers considering agroforestry. These rates were trebled under the mid-term review of the current Programme in order to further incentivise this type of planting.
Due to restrictions in the number of premiums that can be paid for agroforestry in accordance with the State Aid Guidelines for the agricultural and forestry sectors for the 2014 to 2020 programming period, not more than five premiums could be offered under this Scheme. The reduced number of premiums available under the Scheme is seen as the main barrier for increased take-up.
The new Forestry Strategy for Ireland that is being developed under Project Woodland will provide a coherent policy framework within which a new Forestry Programme along with other supporting measures can be implemented. It is envisaged that increasing the options that landowners have for managing their forests sustainably will be a central consideration in the new strategy.
Agroforestry is a land use option that is positive for animal welfare, improves biodiversity, can off-set emissions from other farming practices, and can prevent nutrient runoff when planted in strategic locations. In addition, it is possible to grow quality timber with little impact on existing agricultural production.
Increasing the options and incentives for establishing agroforestry systems on farms will be an important consideration in the design of the next Forestry Programme.
837. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the hectares of afforestation applications submitted to his Department in each of the years 2014 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15785/22]
View answerThe Department makes available various forestry statistics on its website, particularly the Forestry Divisional Monthly Reports, which may be found here gov.ie - gov.ie - Forestry Division Monthly Reports (www.gov.ie)
The table below shows the applications received in hectares from 2014 to 2021.
|
Year |
Hectares of Afforestation applications received |
|
2014 |
17,594 |
|
2015 |
15,855 |
|
2016 |
13,280 |
|
2017 |
11,483 |
|
2018 |
8,623 |
|
2019 |
7,756 |
|
2020 |
7,070 |
|
2021 |
4,606 |
There are a variety of reasons why there has been a decline in the number of afforestation applications in recent year. Interest in afforestation has been impacted by the complexity of the legal and administrative system, judicial decisions, the efficiency of the forestry licensing system, the appetite among landowners to convert land to afforestation usage and, in some areas, complex societal attitudes and responses to afforestation. Both myself and Minister Hackett are very conscious of the need to increase afforestation rates given the target of 8,000 hectares set out in the Climate Action Plan .
We have focussed on addressing the licensing issue and on looking to the future of trees and forests in Ireland under the framework of Project Woodland.
The licensing situation is improving as a result of increased investment in resources and a continual improvement in processes. We issued 4,050 licences in 2021 and intend to increase this to 5,250 in 2022. We aim to more than double the number of afforestation licences to 1,040 and this should have the effect of encouraging confidence in the system.
Of course last year 502 afforestation licences issued for 4,246 hectares, but only 2016 hectares were planted. This low conversion rate is a challenge. There are currently 5,200 ha in the system, which have a valid approval, but have not gone ahead to planting. We have written to applicants with unused licences to remind them that their licence is still valid and to encourage them to consider using them before their approval lapses.
Communication and positive messaging about the benefits of afforestation is crucial. On most farms, planting can comfortably co-exist with livestock enterprises and can significantly increase the net income from the holding. We must work together to communicate this positive message consistently.
There is also an opportunity to contribute to the shared national vision for forestry by mean of the online public consultation which was launched on 16th March, 2022.
838. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that the number of afforestation licences only exceeded 20 on two occasions in his Department’s weekly dashboard in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15859/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is likely to be aware, delays in issuing forestry licences arose because of certain court judgements and their interpretation which resulted in the majority of cases becoming subject to Appropriate Assessment and therefore requiring ecological input.
This was particularly impactful on afforestation licences as afforestation is a land-use change and those files are more complex in nature. Each application for an afforestation licence must be assessed on its own merits having regard to the specificities of the proposed location, and as a result it has been difficult to accelerate the consideration of individual licences as we would have liked.
We issued 4,050 forestry licences in total 2021, which was an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020. These approvals included 2,877 felling licences. Critically, the availability of this volume of timber, at nearly 8.5 million cubic metres, stabilised supply to the processing sector in 2021. This is the highest volume ever issued in a single year.
In addition, 264 kilometres of forest roads were licensed more than double the target in the Climate Action Plan 2021. This is also the highest ever volume of forest roads issued in a single year. The number afforestation licences remained static, with 502 afforestation licences issued, which represents 4,245ha of forestry.
We intend to build on this momentum in 2022, and to issue 5,250 licences, which is a year-on-year increase of 30%. In particular we are going to prioritise afforestation licences and increase the number issued to 1,040, which is more than double our output in 2021. This will be brought about by system improvements and increased resources focussed on ecology.
Eleven new ecologists recruited through competitive tenders are currently being trained in and will be working exclusively on afforestation files. It will take some weeks before the effect of the new ecologists will be seen on the dashboard as many of the files when processed will require a 2nd stage 30 day consultation period and only after that can an Appropriate Assessment Determination be finalised and an approval letter issue.
839. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions taken by his Department in each of the years 2016 to 2021 to address the decline in afforestation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15860/22]
View answerThere are a variety of reasons why there has been a gradual decline in afforestation rates even before this current Forestry Programme has started in 2015 and my Department is very conscious of the afforestation targets set out in the Climate Action Plan.
During the last number of years, my Department has been addressing several barriers which contributed to decreasing afforestation rates. The Forestry Programme 2014-42020 (extended to end 2022) offers a wide range of generous grants and 15 annual premiums that makes forestry an excellent land use option which can complement existing farming enterprises and throughout the years of the Programme efforts have been made to encourage landowners to plant.
A mid-term review of the Forestry Programme was completed in 2018. The review included measures aimed at increasing afforestation rates including an increase in grant and premium rates and the commitment to explore the potential of a forestry fund for establishing native woodlands. This commitment resulted in the Woodland Environmental Fund which facilitates the planting of more native woodlands within Ireland by providing an access point for businesses to part fund the establishment of these forests.
In addition to supporting the planting of forests on private lands, the Creation of Woodland on Public Lands Scheme was launched in August 2020 to fund the creation of new native woodlands on publicly owned lands. In accordance with the Programme for Government objectives,
The Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 was enacted on 5th October 2020. This legislation was introduced to give the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) greater flexibility to manage its workload, and to address the backlog of forestry licences held up in the appeals process. This has lead to an impressive increase in efficiency by the FAC with the number of decisions currently outstanding at 27, as compared to the approximately 1,000 cases on hand when the legislation was being introduced.
We are also actively addressing the backlog of forestry licence and looking to the future of trees and forests in Ireland under the framework of Project Woodland, which commenced in March 2021.
The licensing situation is improving as a result of increased investment in resources and a continual improvement in processes. We issued 4,050 licences in 2021 and intend to increase this to 5,250 in 2022. We aim to more than double the number of afforestation licences to 1,040 and this should have the effect of encouraging confidence in the system. Of course last year 502 afforestation licences issued for 4,246 hectares, but only 2016 hectares were planted. This low conversion rate is a challenge. There are currently 5,200 ha in the system, which have a valid approval, but have not gone ahead to planting. We have written to applicants with unused licences to remind them that their licence is still valid and to encourage them to consider using them before their approval lapses.
Communication and positive messaging about the benefits of afforestation is crucial. On most farms, planting can comfortably co-exist with livestock enterprises and can significantly increase the net income from the holding. We must work together to communicate this positive message consistently.
There is also an opportunity to contribute to the shared national vision for forestry by mean of the online public consultation which was launched on 16th March, 2022.
840. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that the Y axis of the number of licences issued for afforestation, roads, private felling and Coillte felling was reduced from 140 to 120 on the weekly dashboard; if he will reinstate it to 140; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15861/22]
View answerThe Department publishes the weekly dashboard at www.gov.ie/en/collection/15b56-forest-statistics-and-mapping/#forestry-weekly-dashboard. The aim of the dashboard is to give full transparency on the number of forestry licences, across afforestation, roads and felling (broken down between Coillte and private felling), we issue every week.
It also shows a useful comparison with the numbers issued in the previous year by month, and the hectares, and kilometres that represents. Furthermore it contains statistics on licences issued year-to-date for forestry support schemes, such the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash Dieback).
In the interests of transparency, we include a side by side comparison for the current month and the previous one, with weekly output shown as a bar chart, colour-coded for the different licence types. These bar charts are automatically generated and will default to an appropriate value on the Y axis, unless altered manually The Y axis generated in January, in line with output was 140, and to compare like with like this was the value maintained for February, when both were represented side by side. Likewise February and March have a Y axis of 120 to reflect output in February. Our objective at all times is give easily understandable and comparable data and that is the reason for this change.
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, my priority this year is to deliver on the ambition outlined in the Licensing Plan and to issue 5,250 licences and the dashboard affords full transparency in monitoring our progress towards this target.
841. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects to have concluded discussions with his counterparts in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications regarding planning permission for converting from dead and dying ash to conifers under the RUS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15862/22]
View answerSince the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, my Department has provided support totalling over €7 million to owners of ash plantations impacted by ash dieback disease through the ash dieback reconstitution scheme (introduced in 2013) and more recently the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS – Ash dieback) introduced in July 2020.
Applications for that RUS are received regularly, and decisions are issued as the assessment of the applications are complete. To date, my Department has received 608 applications covering 2,459ha and has issued 186 decisions for 600ha.
The Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 was published earlier this year and deals with projected licensing output and approvals for support schemes and may be found here gov.ie - Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 (www.gov.ie). A key target of the plan is to refocus on the delivery on approvals from the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) (Ash Dieback). Many RUS applications are screened in for Appropriate Assessment and are referred to ecology. Of these, any that propose replacing the ash crop with conifer species currently require planning permission.
My Department is continuing to engage with the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), with the objective of removing the planning permission requirement for these cases.
842. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional abatement impact expected through replacing 65% of straight CAN with protected urea or other protected nitrogen products by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15902/22]
View answerThe Deputy raises an important greenhouse gas abatement measure for the agricultural sector. Protected urea is a urea-based chemical nitrogen fertiliser coated with a urease inhibitor. This inhibitor reduces emissions of ammonia when applied to land. Urea based fertilisers have significantly less nitrous oxide emissions (a greenhouse gas (GHG)) associated with them compared to Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN).
Under the Climate Action Plan, the plan is to replace 65% of CAN fertiliser with protected urea (or other protected nitrogen products) by 2030. Assuming a total chemical nitrogen usage of 325,000 tonnes in 2030, as per the Climate Action Plan, this replacement rate will lead to a reduction in nitrous oxide emissions of approximately 0.8 million tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2 eq).
In summary, reducing total chemical nitrogen use on farms as well as changing the type of chemical nitrogen applied are two of the most important measures for reducing overall GHG emissions from agriculture. In view of this, I have put in place additional supports to drive the adoption of multispecies and clover swards. These measures, when adopted on farms, will significantly reduce chemical nitrogen demand over the course of the decade.
843. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current adoption rate of LESS technology; the additional abatement impact of increasing the use of LESS technology to 90%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15903/22]
View answerThe Deputy raises an important issue in the context of transitioning to a more long term sustainable platform for Irish agriculture. Low Emissions Slurry Technology (LESS) refers to trailing hose and band spreader slurry application technologies. The main objective for using this technology is to reduce emissions of ammonia to enable compliance with our limits under the National Emissions Ceiling Directive. In addition, the use of LESS enables better recovery of nitrogen from our organic manures thus reducing our dependence on chemical nitrogen.
The uptake of the technology has been growing in recent years, from 5% of total slurry applied by LESS in 2018, to 16% in 2019 and 36% in 2020. These figures are taken from the Teagasc National Farm survey. The objective is to achieve a 90% uptake rate by 2027, and based on current trends, we are on track to meet this ambitious target. My Department will continue to financially support farmers to transition to the technology through the provision of grant aid for LESS machines.
By achieving an uptake rate of 90%, starting from a base of 0% LESS usage, approximately 12,000 tonnes of ammonia will be abated, making a significant contribution to the achievement of our targets under the National Emissions Ceiling Directive.
844. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount expended to assist with the provision of slurry storage on tillage farms, proposed allocation under the CAP Strategic Plan, associated targets for adoption and emission abatement potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15904/22]
View answerThe Greenhouse Gas Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (GHG MACC) for Irish Agriculture quantifies the opportunities for abatement of agricultural greenhouse gases, as well as the associated costs/benefits and shows the abatement potential of greenhouse gas mitigation measures, and the relative costs associated with each of these measures. Teagasc is currently reviewing the GHG MACC which was last published in 2019.
In addition to the review of the existing GHG MACC, funding of €2.2m has been granted under the Department's 2021 Competitive Research Call to the project 'Land-Use, Agriculture and Bioenergy Measures for the Abatement of Climate Change (LAB MACC)'.
This new project will build on the previous MACC and quantify mitigation associated with a range of new measures that reduce nitrous oxide emissions, enhance carbon sinks via land-use and displace fossil fuel emissions via closed farm nutrient loops using enhanced production of bio-based products. The review of the existing MACC will also input into the LAB MACC project.
Funding for slurry storage is currently available to all eligible farmers, including eligible tillage farmers, under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II). These investments are covered by the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme, the Young Farmer's Capital Investment Scheme and the Organic Capital Investment Scheme under TAMS II. Grant-aid for tillage farm machinery such harvesting, spreading and pesticide equipment is currently available under the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme.
Grant aid for all eligible farmers for low emission slurry spreading equipment is also currently available under the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme of TAMS II. Details of all available investments and eligibility criteria can be found on the Department's website.
As the Deputy will be aware, TAMS II is a demand-led voluntary scheme and to date, total expenditure under the seven measures of the TAMS, including transitional expenditure, has reached in excess of €348m with commitments of an additional €126m made to scheme participants who have yet to draw down those grants. Some 48,902 applications have been approved under the scheme.
Ireland's draft CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027 which lists the range of interventions currently being proposed, was submitted to the EU Commission on 31st December 2021. It is proposed that investments will continue to be available for tillage farmers under the Capital Investment Scheme with the full details to be finalised. The Capital Investment Scheme, as is the case with all proposals under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), is in the process of development and is subject to the formal approval of the European Commission. An indicative proposed amount of €440 million for Capital Investments will be available from 2021 to 2027.
845. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the target for organic conversion by year until 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15905/22]
View answerThe current Programme for Government target is to align the utilisable agricultural area under organic production in Ireland with the EU average of 7.5%
The organic sector in Ireland is experiencing considerable growth at present with the area of land under organic production now at approximately 90,000 hectares at the end of 2021.
I am committed to continuing the implementation of the National Organic Strategy 2019-2025 which sets out ambitious growth targets for the sector by aligning it closely with the market opportunities.
I have allocated an additional €5 million to the Organic Farming scheme which is currently open and will close on 8 April 2022. I have introduced changes to the scheme by reducing the required stocking rate and also by increasing the area paid at the higher rate from 60 hectares to 70 hectares, measures which I believe will encourage new entrants to organic farming.
The additional funding to be allocated to the opening of the Organic Farming Scheme could provide for an additional fifty thousand hectares converting to organic production in 2022. This I believe will assist in achieving our target of 7.5% organic area as outlined in the Programme for Government.
For the years 2023 – 2027, I have proposed the allocation of €256m under the new CAP to continue the development and growth of the organic sector. To attain the land area target of 7.5%, an additional 50,000 new hectares will be required every year during the lifetime of the CAP. These are our targets for organic conversion for the years up to 2027, while supports up to 2030 will be a matter for a future CAP programme.
846. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of participants in the organic farming scheme; the total and average payment, by year and farm system, from 2019 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15906/22]
View answerAt present there are 1,734 participants in the Organic Farming Scheme. The table below outlines the average payment by year and farm system from 2019 to date. The total expenditure figure in 2022 to date represents payments due in respect of the 2021 scheme year.
|
Year |
Total Payment |
Average Payment |
|
2019 |
€9.3m |
€6,078 |
|
2020 |
€8.4m |
€5,490 |
|
2021 |
€7.8m |
€5,247 |
|
2022 |
€1.3m |
€5,247 |
The 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. My Department is continuing to progress the actions outlined in the 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.
To assist in achieving these targets I have secured a budget allocation of €21 million for the Organic Farming Scheme for 2022, an increase of €5 million from the previous year. The scheme is now open for new applicants.
Additionally under the new CAP Strategic Plan, I have also proposed the allocation of €256 million for the Organic Farming Scheme. This level of funding will allow for enhanced payments to organic farmers across all sectors, which will further support maintenance and conversion to Organic Farming and assist in achieving our target of 7.5% of land cover under organic production by 2027.
847. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of ring-fenced funding provided to Bord Bia for the marketing of organic produce; the amount expended by Bord Bia on the marketing of organic produce domestically and internationally in each of the years from 2019 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15907/22]
View answerFor 2022, the total funding for Bord Bia provided by my Department in the form of an Exchequer Grant through my Department's Vote was €53m. Within this sum there are no ring-fenced amounts for the marketing of organic or other produce and the disposition of these funds is an operational matter for Bord Bia in line with its Statement of Strategy Strategic Priorities for the year as approved by the Board of Bord Bia and aligned to my Department's policies and the policy ambitions set out in Food Vision 2030.
Bord Bia's annual report and financial statements are available on its website: www.bordbia.ie/globalassets/bordbia.ie/about/governance/annual-reports-pdfs/bord-bia-annual-report-2020.pdf and the Bord Bia Statement of Strategy may be accessed at www.bordbia.ie/about/about-bord-bia/statement-of-strategy/
848. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated amount of direct savings in megaton CO2 equivalent that will be achieved by 2030 through afforestation in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15908/22]
View answerThe forest sector has an important part to play in meeting the ambitious roadmap towards climate neutrality. Afforestation is the process of establishing a forest on lands not previously forested. In 2021, 2,016 hectares of afforestation was achieved in Ireland. The breakdown of this is 41% broadleaf (829 ha) and 49% conifer (1,187 ha).
Ireland’s forests and harvested wood products play a significant role in climate change mitigation by removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Carbon sequestration by forests is influenced by a range of factors including species, soil type, site conditions and management practices. The Department has funded a number of large-scale research projects which have examined carbon stocks and stock changes in Irish forests.
Using the total conifer and broadleaf afforestation area for 2021, the Department has projected that these new forests will remove 0.15 Mt CO2 eq between 2021 and 2030. Although this rate of sequestration is low, it is important to remember that the rate of sequestration changes over time as a forest develops and matures. As these newly planted trees mature, their ability to sequester carbon dioxide increases. This is reflected in projections which show that from 2031 to 2050, the 2,016 ha will sequester a further 0.5 Mt CO2 eq.
Afforestation is a voluntary land use choice for landowners and building confidence among landowners of the benefits of forestry will be key to increasing afforestation rates on recent low trends. The Forestry Programme has a wide range of generous grants and annual premiums that makes forestry an excellent land use option which can complement existing farming enterprises. The Department and stakeholders are working together to deliver Project Woodland with a view to resolve the current difficulties in the forestry sector and revitalise the creation of forests in Ireland.
849. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the forestry schemes currently operated by his Department; the afforestation target of each scheme in 2021 and 2022; the afforestation achieved in 2021; the payment rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15909/22]
View answerMy Department is operating some 12 afforestation Schemes at present and a full list of those are available at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/73aea-schemes-and-services-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/#forestry
The overall afforestation target as contained in the Climate Action Plan 2021 is 8,000 hectares.
Last year, we issued 502 afforestation licences for 4,246 hectares, but only 2,016 hectares were planted. This low conversion rate is a challenge and every unused hectare is a waste of resources that should not happen. There are currently 5,200 ha in the system, which have a valid approval, but have not gone ahead to planting. We have written to applicants with unused licences to remind them that their licence is still valid and to encourage them to consider using them before their approval lapses.
Communication and positive messaging about the benefits of afforestation is crucial. On most farms, planting can comfortably co-exist with livestock enterprises and can significantly increase the net income from the holding. We must work together to communicate this positive message consistently.
The full details of the current payment rates are available in Circular 3/2018 available on the website at wayback.archive-it.org/11501/20201125173540/www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/grantsandpremiumschemes2014-2020/schemecirculars/2018circulars/
As the Deputy may be aware, an extensive public consultation process on the new forest strategy has commenced, with an on-line portal opened on 16th March and stakeholders will have an opportunity to raise any issues that they feel need to be addressed with my Department. Work on the next Forestry Programme will include a review of payment rates.
850. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current hectarage of land under, or in conversion to, organic farming; the associated reduction in fertiliser use expected as a result of achieving a rate of 7.5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15910/22]
View answerCurrently there are approximately 93,000 hectares of land farmed organically in Ireland, of which 9,600 hectares is undergoing the conversion process at present.
The use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides are all prohibited in organic production systems. Organic manure is the only permitted fertiliser for use on organic farms as outlined in the EU organic regulations. Organic farm management practices such as crop rotations are an essential part of successful organic production to help maintain soil fertility, reduce weeds, pests and disease.
Analysis by the Department has found that the level of climatic benefits derived from the conversion to organic farming resulting from the elimination of chemical N fertiliser and associated management changes is 0.1MT co2eq/annum reduction per 100,000 ha. Consequently achieving our target of 7.5% would equate to a reduction of 0.337MT co2eq/annum. A reduction of approximately 14000 tonnes of nitrogen is expected if all land converted has been extensively farmed. This figure would increase if more intensively land is converted to organic farming.
Under the new CAP, I have proposed the allocation of €256 million for the Organic Farming Scheme, with enhanced payments for each sector. I am confident this will assist in achieving an organic land area of 7.5%, during the lifetime of the CAP.
