Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 May 2022
274. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the dates relating to the cutting of silage for participants in relevant strands of agri-environmental schemes have been altered in response to fodder availability issues in any of the years since 2010; if so, the flexibility that was put in place; the basis of the decision; if any consideration has been given to same in 2022-2023. [23650/22]
View answerFlexibilities have previously been introduced by the Department in respect of the terms and conditions of agri-environment schemes in order to assist with fodder issues.
These include a derogation in 2013 allowing AEOS participants to conserve hay or silage, on parcels entered within the Species Rich Grassland action, using surplus grass after the advertised topping date of July 15th. In 2018 GLAS participants were afforded derogations in respect of the Low Input Permanent Pasture and the Environmental Management of Fallow Land actions.
There are currently no plans at present for any derogation in respect of the GLAS specifications. Any such derogation would require the formal approval of the EU Commission. As always the position will continue to be closely monitored by my Department.
