Holly Cairns
Question:136. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that are being taken to address the low prices that farmers are receiving for organic beef. [26972/22]
View answerAgriculture Industry
Questions (136)
Written answers
Market price of any product is determined by the economic principle of supply and demand and I have no role in this. It is the Department's commitment to ensure that the current market and potential markets for Irish organic beef are explored, are viable and will lead to an optimal price premium for farmers.
A significant proportion of the organic beef produced in Ireland is destined for customers on the domestic market with all of the major retailers in the Irish market listing organic beef in some capacity. Irish organic beef is also exported to Germany, Britain, Netherlands and the Nordics, however, it is difficult to get an indication of export market share at this time.
Organic beef production in Ireland has been estimated at 3,150 tonnes in 2021 which accounts for less than one per cent of overall beef production (619,800 tonnes CSO).
Bord Bia, under the aegis of the Department, continues to invest in identifying and supporting export market opportunities for Irish organic companies (including those seeking to export beef) through their network of overseas offices and trade events.
Central to this is the planned return to the BioFach trade fair in July 2022. This is the leading trade fair for organic produce in Europe. Bord Bias organic client companies will be able to build new business and generate new leads. Bord Bia, along with DAFM, will deliver a Ministerial Trade Mission to Germany around Biofach to help advance lead generation activities in Europe’s largest organic market.
There is currently a project under way in Bord Bia to quantify the volume of organic produce available for the domestic retail market/export in each individual category. This will allow Bord Bia to best align its supports to the Irish organic sector. Bord Bia will also be engaging in a promotional campaign in Summer 2022 with key retailers on the domestic market to raise awareness of Irish organic products. This will improve understanding and grow preference amongst Irish consumers for all categories of Irish organic produce, including beef.
There are very real challenges that exist when it comes to growing and co-ordinating the supply base of organic beef so that the sector is well placed to benefit from the growing demand for organic produce.
To reap the benefits of growing demand for organic produce it is important that we have increased supply available on a consistent basis. The significant leakage of product in the beef sector between farm of origin and final processing is a particular issue. The Organic Strategy Forum which has met twice in 2022 will be examining this topic further in 2022 with a view to addressing all the issues that cause product leakage to occur with a view to recommending remedial actions.
Fishing Industry
Questions (137)
Holly Cairns
Question:137. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way that the current distribution of the mackerel allocation aligns with the State’s obligations under article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26970/22]
View answerWritten answers
I am fully satisfied that the obligations set down in Article 17 of Regulation 1380/2013 are being met.
Management arrangements for the Mackerel fishery, have been set and developed over many years since the commencement of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the introduction of quotas. Mackerel is managed on an annual/seasonal basis with catch limits set based on allocation regimes developed over many years and related to historical catch records. Amendments to the mackerel policy in 2010 and 2017 were introduced following a full review and public consultation. It should be noted that the 2017 policy is subject to legal challenge in the Courts.
Consultation on the management of quotas within National Policy is carried out each month at the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC) meeting involving fishing industry representatives from the catching and processing sectors, the Department and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). The QMAC examines in detail the operation of each fishery, available quota and uptake patterns for the different metiers of fishing vessels. Detailed discussions are held taking account of the situation of the fleet and the market. Any issues relating to the management of the Mackerel quota allocation to the relevant fisheries as set down in National Policy, are discussed by the QMAC and recommendations are brought to my attention to inform my decision.
As recommended by the QMAC, National Policy for Quota Balancing has been put in place to support the landing obligation for both demersal and pelagic stocks including Mackerel. Quota balancing, where a ‘balancing adjustment’ is made from a future allocation of a fishing opportunity, is a conservation measure that aids industry in matching available quota to actual catch to support the effective operation of the landing obligation (discards ban).
As the Deputy will be aware, in Ireland, fishing quotas, including the Mackerel quota, are a public resource. It is worth noting that within the EU, most quota systems have been privatised for their main commercial stocks. In Ireland, allocations are not owned by the vessel and when an allocation is not fished it is returned to the State for redistribution to the fleet. This policy helps to support an Irish-owned and operated fleet with operations based in Ireland. If the fleet were not Irish owned, there would likely be a rapid concentration of ownership in a small number of international companies which are not likely to operate from Ireland and may not have any commercial links with Ireland. The result of this long-standing policy is that the Irish fishing fleet that have retained a strong economic link with our coastal communities.
Agriculture Industry
Questions (138)
Denis Naughten
Question:138. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that are being taken to ensure that Irish beef farmers receive a price commensurate with that paid to their European Union counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26286/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the nature of all markets, particularly in export dependent sectors such as Irish beef, is that prices will fluctuate. However, our beef and suckler farmers produce a world-class, safe, traceable and sustainable product and deserve to be rewarded for their efforts.
I am acutely aware of the potential pressures being faced by many sectors across the agriculture industry due to the increase in input costs.
My Department continuously monitors the market situation for beef and other agri-food commodities.
The Bord Bia export benchmark, which is an indicator that takes account of prices for cattle at different grades and categories in the main export markets for Irish beef, indicates that the Irish composite price has been lagging behind the export benchmark since January.
Recent data from my Department for the week beginning 2nd May shows the Irish R3 Steer price of €4.97 per kilogram is 8 cents per kilogram above the EU average price, based on an average of 14 Member States.
At EU level, I have raised concerns in relation to the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on agri-food supply chains at successive AgriFish Councils. At these meetings I underlined the need to closely monitor supply chains to ensure an effective and functioning Single Market, and to be ready to consider any measures that may help to alleviate the difficulties caused.
In acknowledgement of the need to address the multiple impacts of the illegal invasion in Ukraine on food supply chains and food security, I have secured significant additional national funding towards support measures this year including our beef and suckler farmers.
The Deputy will also be aware that on 3rd May 2022, I brought a Memorandum for Information to Government on a proposed Fodder Support Scheme, with the objective of supporting farm families to conserve silage and hay during summer 2022, to ensure that there are sufficient stocks of fodder in the country for next winter. This scheme will require approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department is continuing to engage with that Department on the funding aspects of the scheme. I expect to announce further details on the proposed scheme shortly.
More generally for the beef sector, my Department provides a range of financial aids to support beef farm incomes and to support economic and environmental efficiency. The core support for the beef sector under the current Rural Development Programme is the €300 Million Beef Data and Genomics Programme. In addition to BDGP, significant additional supports have been made available specifically to the beef sector in recent years, for example through the BEEP and BEEP-S schemes.
I continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and I am actively engaging with the EU Commission, across Government and with industry as this situation unfolds. This is period of considerable challenge for the agri-food sector as a whole. I have taken a proactive approach, through the various measures I have announced since this crisis started, to support our farm families and their businesses and I will continue to do so.
Departmental Priorities
Questions (139)
Niamh Smyth
Question:139. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the progress that he has made in establishing the food ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26916/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government includes a commitment for a new office of National Food Ombudsman to enforce the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive and to have a role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland.
In April 2021, I signed the Statutory Instrument transposing the UTP Directive directly into Irish law before the 1st May 2021 deadline for transposition. At that time, I also established the UTP Enforcement Authority in my Department on an interim basis pending the finalisation of the primary legislation for the new Office.
I assure you that this Enforcement Authority has been assigned all of the necessary legal powers including to investigate complaints from suppliers of agricultural and food products and to initiate legal proceedings for breaches of unfair trading practices defined in the UTP Directive.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that on 22nd March last, the Government approved the priority drafting of the General Scheme of the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill 2022. This primary legislation is required to establish a new independent statutory body, which will be known as the “Office for Fairness and Transparency in the Agri-Food Supply Chain”.
The Bill is currently with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for detailed drafting and has been submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine for pre-legislative scrutiny.
To coincide with enactment or commencement of the Bill, the current UTP Regulations that I signed in 2021 will be repealed. I will use the enabling provisions in this Bill to make new Regulations providing for the transfer of responsibility for UTP enforcement functions from my Department to the remit of the new Office.
I am confident that the new Office will help strengthen the position of our farmers, fishers, and other suppliers of agricultural and food products in negotiating a fairer price for their produce, and I hope to submit the draft Bill to both Houses of the Oireachtas for debate in the near future.
This is a key priority for me as Minister and I want to see the Office established as quickly as possible to help support our farm families and all primary producers in the country.
Food Industry
Questions (140)
James O'Connor
Question:140. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the support that Ireland is providing to help the United States with the recent baby formula shortage that it is experiencing; and if there is a risk of any shortages of a similar nature in Ireland given the rising input and dairy costs. [26905/22]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland is one of the leading manufacturers of Infant Formula, with exports in 2021 valued at €653 million. Ireland has a number of significant manufacturing facilities in Ireland and many of our primary milk processors are actively supplying ingredients into the market.
As the Deputy refers to, there is currently a shortage of infant formula in the United States. As a net exporter of Infant formula, I do not envisage a risk of any shortage of a similar nature arising in Ireland.
The USA was our fourth largest dairy export destination in 2021, with total exports amounting to €431 million. Infant formula exports accounted for €24 million of those exports, equating to 2,392 tonnes.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves plants which export infant formula to the US market; one Irish plant is currently approved by the FDA. My Department will provide any assistance requested by the US authorities, for example in relation to additional plants which may have an interest in applying for FDA approval.
Farm Costs
Questions (141)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:141. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions he has had at European Union level regarding the need to provide assistance to farmers to mitigate the substantial increase in fertiliser costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26981/22]
View answerWritten answers
Since the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the situation on agricultural markets has been a constant agenda item at every Agri-Fish Council. I have outlined Ireland's strong support for EU sanctions to my European counterparts, as well as the particular need to maintain food security for our own citizens, for the Ukrainian people and in a wider international context.
I have also emphasised my particular concerns about the impacts of the conflict on agri-food supply chains, and especially on the supply of inputs such as fertiliser and feed. As the situation is obviously a volatile and evolving one, I have stressed the need to continually assess developments from an EU perspective, and to be ready to take any necessary action.
On 22nd March, the Government approved my proposal for a targeted intervention package for the tillage sector, as well as a multi-species sward and red clover initiative, worth over €12 million in total to Irish farmers. This package is aimed at producing more native crops while also reducing dependency on imported fertiliser.
I have also established a National Fodder and Food Security Committee, which has been developing contingency plans in relation to the supply of feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs. It has also been giving farmers much needed practical advice in relation to the management of their enterprises, and will continue to do so over the coming months.
The European Commission announced on 23 March, via the communication “Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems”, a range of actions to enhance global food security and to support farmers and consumers in the EU in light of rising food prices and input costs. In this context I have secured exceptional aid supports of €15.8 million, which will be used to support farmers in the pigmeat and horticulture sectors.
I continue to work with my EU counterparts to monitor the situation closely, and to consider all appropriate measures. The impact of the illegal invasion of Ukraine and its impact on our farm families is the number one priority for me and the Department.
Animal Welfare
Questions (142)
Thomas Gould
Question:142. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the horse project for Cork city. [26914/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is fully committed to supporting sustainable, One Health, One Welfare initiatives in line with the Programme for Government and Working Together for Animal Welfare, Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025 and continues to support a number of urban horse projects nationwide. These projects can foster community leadership and education in responsible horse ownership for young people from disadvantaged communities or backgrounds.
Typically, supports for the projects are provided by the Local Authorities and funding provided by my Department is paid directly through the Local Authorities to support these projects.
Through Cork City Council, my Department has supported the Cork City Horse Project which is a collaborative initiative involving Cork City and County Councils and community stakeholders including the Traveller Visibility Group. In 2016, my Department supported three equine education modules undertaken by the Project with funding of almost €20,000 though our Urban Horse Projects scheme.
My Department continues to participate in the group's meetings, where in recent years, efforts have been focused on finding suitable space to locate a Horse Project within the Cork City boundaries.
My Department would very much welcome a submission from the Project, through Cork City Council, for assistance under our Urban Horse Projects scheme once a suitable location has been established in the City.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (143)
Niamh Smyth
Question:143. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications from counties Cavan and Monaghan that have been received for the tillage incentive scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26915/22]
View answerWritten answers
I introduced the Tillage Incentive Scheme (TIS) as a support measure for farmers to incentivise an increase in the area of tillage crops in 2022, to reduce the dependency on imported feed material.
This scheme, funded by the National Exchequer, is one of a number of important new schemes introduced in 2022 to support Irish farmers. The tillage sector is an integral part of Irish agriculture and supports to this sector not only assist tillage farmers, but also ensures more locally produced animal feed for the livestock sector.
The eligible crops- barley, wheat, oats, rye, oilseed rape, maize and beet will receive a €400 per hectare payment once the conditions of the scheme are satisfied. To be eligible for the scheme, there must be an increase in the total tillage crops grown on the holding in 2022 versus 2021. The land on which the additional eligible crops are grown for the scheme must have been in grassland or other non-tillage crops in 2021.
The information regarding the crops sown is now being extracted from the 2021 and 2022 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications. In June, my Department will be in contact with those farmers who are potentially eligible, based on the crops and land they declared in their 2022 BPS application, inviting them to apply for the scheme.
Therefore, at this point we do not have application data as the official application window has not yet opened and final processing of 2022 BPS application data is still on-going to allow the potential population to be identified. However, anecdotal evidence suggests a strong uptake across the country.
The Tillage Incentive Scheme, the Straw Incorporation Measure and Protein Aid combined provide strong supports for the tillage sector and they signal the importance of tillage to Irish agriculture and to this Government.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Questions (144)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:144. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a comprehensive update on the work currently underway to assist farmers contribute to the effort to reduce climate-based emissions; the ongoing direct input that farmers have on proposed efforts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26838/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the agriculture sector is required to required to reduce emissions by between 22% - 30% by 2030, based on a 2018 baseline of 23MT CO2 eq.
This is a challenging target for the sector, but it is also a target that will present opportunities for Irish farmers. Significant work has been done to date to develop a pathway to achieve the emissions reductions required.
The Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve was the original source, and it has been built upon by both Ag Climatise and the Climate Action Plan of 2021. I recently established a Food Vision 2030 dairy group to set out specific actions on how emissions reduction in the dairy sector will be achieved. A beef and sheep group with a similar objective will soon be established.
The advisory services both within Teagasc and the private network, are working closely with farmers to advise them of the transition necessary on their farms. Teagasc has establishment a network of model farms under their signpost programme.
These farms are considered best in class when it comes to climate smart agriculture, supporting peer to peer learning between farmers.
One of the most important actions farmers can take is to reduce their dependence on chemical nitrogen. I have put in place additional supports this year to encourage farmers to transition to clover and multispecies swards. The Department to continues to financially support the uptake of low emissions slurry spreading technology through TAMS. These measures are important enabling actions to support the chemical nitrogen reduction required.
A whole-of -sector, whole-of-Government approach will be needed to ensure the agriculture sector achieves its climate objectives. Farmers will need to be given time as well as consistent and clear advice on the changes required. I am confident that our farmers will take a leadership role in meeting our climate ambitions and I will support them throughout this process.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Questions (145)
James O'Connor
Question:145. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has engaged with Teagasc in relation to its research into the methane emissions of dairy cows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26906/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is working closely with Teagasc to explore technologies and opportunities that may exist in the effort to reduce methane emissions in the agricultural sector as well as developing metrics to be able to measure the effectiveness of these technologies on reducing methane emissions.
It is clear that methane and other emissions associated with the dairy herd will need to reduce over the decade if agriculture is going to meet its climate objectives. There is significant research work ongoing in relation to methane emissions and dairy, and indeed, it is clear that future research investments will be needed in this area.
One of the most exciting research breakthroughs in recent times is the use of the feed additive 3 Nitro-Oxy-Propanol, (3-NOP) that has been proven to have the ability to reduce enteric methane emissions.
The feed additive 3NOP, which can reduce methane emissions in the rumen of animals by approximately 30% for indoor systems, has recently been approved by the European Food Safety Authority. While the technology has been proven to work in indoor confined systems of livestock production, Teagasc has also commenced work on how the technology can be used in a grass-based system. I will continue to support Teagasc in developing these types of technologies.
New technologies such as anaerobic digestion are specifically referenced in the Climate Action Plan and they also help reduce emissions. My Department supports Teagasc to deliver these important methane-focused projects as well as supporting Teagasc advisers and research staff to deliver these targets.
DNA technology has also led to significant improvement in animal breeding in recent times. My Department is in collaboration with Teagasc and ICBF as we continue to focus on efficiencies in producing high-quality animal protein. Teagasc is in collaboration with DAFM and ICBF to develop a carbon sub index that can be included in the EBI. It is hoped eventually to be able to select directly for lower enteric methane emitting cows using the carbon sub index.
We are currently funding two methane specific research projects including the development and validation of novel technologies to reduce methane emissions from pasture based Irish agricultural systems and investigating Seaweeds and seaweed-ingredients to reduce enteric methane emissions from pasture-based sheep, cattle and dairy cows in collaborations with Teagasc and Irish universities.
Animal Welfare
Questions (146)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:146. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of sellers and suppliers of pets and animals who have registered with his Department in the years 2021 and to date in 2022; the details on plans to target the sale and distribution of animals through illicit puppy farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26714/22]
View answerWritten answers
Concern for the safety and welfare of pet animals was one of the primary reasons behind the introduction by my Department of the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 681/2019).
These Regulations put into law certain requirements for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, including minimum ages for sale of certain mammals; record-keeping; registration with the Department; and the provision of certain information about the pet being advertised. The Regulations were welcomed by welfare organisations.
Extracts from the Register of Sellers and Suppliers of Pet Animals and the Register of Premises (name of seller or supplier, registration number and the county of the premises used in connection with the sale and supply of pets) are published on the Department's website at gov.ie - Rules on the Sale, Supply and Advertising of Pet Animals (www.gov.ie). The Department's website has additional guidance for potential pet owners thinking of acquiring a pet, further supporting potential purchasers in making informed decisions.
There were 1,247 pet sellers and suppliers registered on the Register of Sellers and Suppliers of Pet Animals and the Register of Premises at the end of 2021. An additional 277 have registered in 2022 as of 20th May, 2022.
The requirement to register with my Department as a seller or supplier of pet animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 does not apply to a person who is required to register with their local authority under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Dog breeding establishments are regulated under that Act and fall under the remit of the Minister for Rural and Community Development. Controls relating to these establishments rest with that Department and the relevant local authorities.
Any evidence of animal cruelty or neglect of an animal’s welfare should be brought to the attention of my Department by calling the animal welfare helpline on 076 1064408 (Call Save) or 01 6072379 or by emailing animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
Agriculture Industry
Questions (147)
Michael McNamara
Question:147. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to ensure an adequate fodder supply in spring 2023 and in subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26776/22]
View answerWritten answers
I assure the Deputy that the fallout from the illegal war in Ukraine and its impact on our farm families is my number one priority at present.
The Deputy may be aware that shortly after the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, I met with the main farm organisations and Teagasc on 8th March 2022 to discuss the impact of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine on Irish agriculture and supply chains.
At that meeting, I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee to prepare an industry response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.
Following the first meeting of this Committee, Teagasc issued advice to farmers on how to manage their farms during the current grass growing season with a view to securing sufficient fodder for next winter. The advice includes applying sufficient fertiliser on grassland and crops, on the basis of a fodder budget for winter 2022 so as ensure that sufficient fodder is conserved.
On the 22nd March 2022, I also announced a Targeted Intervention Package framed around three pillars to support Irish farming families arising both from events in Ukraine and wider global price volatility. The total package is projected to cost in the region of €12.2 million.
The package seeks to incentivise the planting of additional tillage crops through the Tillage Incentive Scheme and introduces supports to encourage farmers to grow protein crops in 2022. Supporting domestic production of tillage and protein crops is a key mechanism to reduce Ireland’s reliance on imported feed material
The package also includes a Multi-Species Sward Initiative and a Red Clover Silage Measure, to promote environmentally sustainable methods of farming, and thereby reduce nitrogen fertiliser usage, while maintaining forage yields.
The Deputy will be aware that on 3rd May 2022, I brought a Memorandum for Information to Government on a proposed Fodder Support Scheme, with the objective of supporting farm families to conserve silage and hay this year to ensure that nationally we have adequate stocks of fodder over next winter. Any such scheme would have to be targeted towards those farmers who are at greatest risk of not having sufficient fodder for winter 2022. In that context, based on recent Teagasc survey data, this is more of a challenge in relation to the beef and sheep sectors than it is for the dairy sector.
Such a scheme will require approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department is continuing to engage with that Department on the funding aspects of the scheme. I expect to announce further details on the proposed scheme shortly.
The financial supports previously announced, and those currently under discussion, will assist farmers in providing sufficient fodder for winter 2022. I remain committed to standing by our farm families during this time of crisis.
Ukraine War
Questions (148)
Alan Farrell
Question:148. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that are being taken or that are required to ensure food security in the context of the ongoing illegal Russian war against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26808/22]
View answerWritten answers
In the context of the Ukrainian crisis, significant implications are being seen across all sectors, including the agri-food sector. This is the number one priority for me and the Department at present, ensuring we can minimise as much as possible the impact of the war on our farm families here.
At farm level, the crisis is already impacting very significantly on the price of fertiliser, animal feed and fuel. Following a record year for Family Farm Income in 2021, Teagasc has forecast that a decline in 2022 is now highly likely, as output price increases will fail to offset the rise in production costs. Significantly higher production costs will be a feature across all sectors in 2022, with higher fertiliser, feed and fuel prices leading to an increase in agriculture input costs. The current market outlook for output prices is uncertain, with upward pressure likely, but very unlikely to cover the additional input costs.
Within my Department, I have established a Rapid Response Team to actively monitor the impacts on agri-food supply chains and to contribute to the whole of Government response to this crisis.
I also established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee headed by Teagasc and tasked it to prepare an industry response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.
There are sufficient supplies of fertiliser and animal feed at present although price remains a concern. The Government have introduced a temporary reduction in excise duty on fuels, assistance on the price of electricity & gas, and a targeted and temporary grant scheme for hauliers, all of which will be of some assistance to farmers and the agri-food sector.
I have announced a number of measures over the past three months to assist the agriculture sector including:
- €20 million in two packages for the pig sector,
- €12 million for the tillage sector
- €3 million for the horticulture sector
These targeted measures will help Irish farmers at a time of escalating costs and build resilience against the expected impact of the situation in Ukraine.
Earlier this month, I brought a Memo for Information to Government on measures aimed to assist cattle and sheep farmers to produce fodder (silage and/or hay) during 2022 to prevent a Fodder crisis during the coming winter. My Department is continuing to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the detail of the scheme.
Following discussions at EU level, the European Commission announced in March, via the communication “Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems”, a range of actions to enhance global food security and to support farmers and consumers in the EU in light of rising food prices and input costs. It includes €500 million in exceptional aid to support farmers most affected, including an allocation of €15.8 million to Ireland, and agreement to deploy measures to support specific markets.
In addition, on the future of Ireland's agri-food sector generally, you will be aware that the new Food Vision 2030 strategy was launched last August. Food Vision is a landmark for the Irish agri-food sector and is honest and upfront about the challenges ahead. Crucially, it proposes solutions and charts a pathway to sustainability in all its dimensions. Food Vision aims for Ireland to be a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems, which would deliver food security and nutrition for all in such a way that the economic, environmental and social basis to generate food and nutrition for future generations are not compromised. This will deliver significant benefits for the Irish agri-food sector itself, for Irish society and the environment.
I continue to engage with all our stakeholders and continue to work across Government, and with our European partners, to respond to this crisis, using all of the tools at our disposal. I am taking a very proactive approach to the crisis in Ukraine. We must protect our farm families and their businesses through this period of significant upheaval.
Ukraine War
Questions (149)
Bríd Smith
Question:149. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of meetings that have been held and the plans of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee in relation to threats to food security as a result of the current war specifically the plans to deal with costs and supplies of fertiliser; and the take-up of schemes to increase the planting of tillage crops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26873/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, I met with the main farm organisations and Teagasc on 8th March to discuss the impact of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine on Irish agriculture and supply chains.
At that meeting, I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee and tasked it with preparing an industry response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.
Following the first meeting of this Committee, Teagasc issued advice to farmers on how to manage their farms during the current grass growing season with a view to securing sufficient fodder for next winter.
The advice includes applying sufficient fertiliser on grassland and crops, on the basis of a fodder budget for winter 2022, ensuring that sufficient fodder is conserved. In addition, Teagasc commenced a nationwide advertisement campaign giving advice to farmers along with extensive engagement with farmer clients.
Two further meetings of the Committee were held where results of farmer and fodder surveys were discussed along with updates on Teagasc’s engagement with farmer clients.
I announced a Targeted Intervention Package on 22nd March framed around three pillars to support Irish farming families arising both from events in Ukraine and wider global price volatility. The total package is projected to cost in the region of €12.2 million.
The package seeks to incentivise the planting of additional tillage crops this season through the Tillage Incentive Scheme and introduces supports to encourage farmers to grow protein crops in 2022. The number of applicants for the Tillage Incentive Scheme and the Protein/Cereal Mix Crop Scheme cannot be confirmed until formal applications open in June.
In addition, on 3rd May 2022, I brought a Memorandum for Information to Government on a proposed Fodder Support Scheme, with the objective of supporting farm families to conserve silage and hay this year to ensure that we have adequate stocks of fodder over next winter.
I expect to announce further details on the proposed scheme shortly. The financial supports previously announced, and those currently under discussion, will assist farmers in providing sufficient fodder for winter 2022.
Departmental Policies
Questions (150)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:150. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to bring his revised CAP strategic plan before the Houses of the Oireachtas for scrutiny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26947/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Oireachtas has received regular updates on the CAP negotiations, and on the development of the CAP Strategic Plan, at official and Ministerial level, and this will continue as the plan is finalised over the coming period.
The development of the CSP has been underpinned by extensive stakeholder and public consultation carried out over the entire course of the Plan’s development, including on:
- the SWOT analysis in autumn 2019;
- the Scoping Report for the Environmental Assessment in spring 2021;
- the proposed interventions in August/September 2021; and
- the Strategic Environmental Assessment and an Appropriate Assessment, which concluded on 8 December 2021.
There is also ongoing consultation taking place through the CAP Stakeholder Consultative Committee, which has met on thirty occasions since its establishment in May 2019. The Committee met in April, when members were given an opportunity to respond to the European Commission's observations letter, and subsequently in writing. The next meeting will take place in early June.
I have also consulted with farm stakeholders on a bilateral basis, throughout the process, as well as through in-person meetings. For example, I held meetings in every county in the country through the mart network. This allowed farmers in every part of the country to have their say before we submitted the draft Plan at the end of the year.
Most recently, my Department hosted a series of information sessions on the new CSP at eleven venues across the country, as well as an online webinar. There has also been regular bilateral engagement with other Departments, and with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
I brought the draft CSP for Government approval in December, before it was submitted to the European Commission. I will bring the final CSP and Environmental Statement to Government again at the appropriate time.
Farm Costs
Questions (151)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:151. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has undertaken any study to determine the reason for the increase in the cost of fertiliser. [26210/22]
View answerWritten answers
The fertiliser market is driven by global supply and demand, and whilst there are a number of factors influencing fertiliser price, the major driving factors in the rise in prices are increased global demand, rising production costs and issues with supply for certain fertiliser products.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine exacerbated these issues and led to further significant hikes in energy, feed and fertiliser prices and significant concerns around supply chain disruption. This is being felt at farm level and is something that I am acutely aware of.
No fertilisers are manufactured in Ireland, resulting in indigenous fertiliser companies being price-takers, dependent on global supply and demand and subject to Euro exchange rates against the US dollar and other currencies.
There has been an increased demand for fertiliser from large grain producing countries, which is being fuelled by strong global grain markets. This increased global demand has impacted on supplies and put upward pressure on prices.
Also, the increased price of gas, which is a key input into Nitrogen fertiliser production, has had a significant impact in recent months and continues to contribute to further upward trend in fertiliser prices.
As gas accounts for a high percentage of operating costs for the production of N fertiliser, some European Nitrogen producers had scaled back production and halted operations in some cases. However, many of these production facilities have now come back on stream in light of the likely increased economic returns of the present market situation.
EU anti-dumping measures on imports of fertilisers from certain Third Countries have added to the price of fertiliser imports, however, the EU Commission is currently examining the effects of removing these tariffs.
The significant increase of fertiliser is having an impact at farm level and it is something I am acutely aware of. Both myself and the rest of the Government have sought to insulate farm families as much as possible from increases in all input costs.
Farm Costs
Questions (152)
Alan Dillon
Question:152. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department have taken to assist farmers with the rising costs of inputs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27031/22]
View answerWritten answers
In the context of the Ukrainian crisis, significant implications are being seen across all sectors, including the agri-food sector. This is the number one concern for me and the Department at present. I have taken a proactive approach to the crisis with the aim of supporting our farm families as much as possible through this difficult time.
At farm level, the crisis is already impacting very significantly on the price of fertiliser, animal feed and fuel. Following a record year for Family Farm Income in 2021, Teagasc has forecast that a decline in 2022 is now highly likely, as output price increases will fail to offset the rise in production costs.
Significantly higher production costs will be a feature across all sectors in 2022, with higher fertiliser, feed and fuel prices leading to an increase in agriculture input costs. The current market outlook for output prices is uncertain, with upward pressure likely, but very unlikely to cover the additional input costs.
Within my Department, I have established a Rapid Response Team to actively monitor the impacts on agri-food supply chains and to contribute to the whole of Government response to this crisis.
I also established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee headed by Teagasc and tasked it to prepare an industry response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.
There are sufficient supplies of fertiliser and animal feed at present although price remains a concern. The Government have introduced a temporary reduction in excise duty on fuels, assistance on the price of electricity and gas, and a targeted and temporary grant scheme for hauliers, all of which will be of some assistance to farmers and the agri-food sector.
I have announced a number of measures over the past three months to assist the agriculture sector including:
- €20 million in two packages for the pig sector,
- €12 million for the tillage sector
- €3 million for the horticulture sector
These targeted measures will help Irish farmers at a time of escalating costs and build resilience against the expected impact of the situation in Ukraine.
Earlier this month, I brought a Memo for Information to Government on measures aimed to assist cattle and sheep farmers to produce fodder (silage and/or hay) during 2022 to prevent a Fodder crisis during the coming winter. My Department is continuing to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the detail of the scheme.
Following discussions at EU level, the European Commission announced in March, via the communication “Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems”, a range of actions to enhance global food security and to support farmers and consumers in the EU in light of rising food prices and input costs. The communication sets out actions in three areas:
- First, it presents immediate actions to safeguard food security in Ukraine and around the world.
- Second, it addresses the challenge of food stability in the EU's food system, with a range of measures to support our farmers and maintain affordability for our citizens.
- Finally, it confirms the EU agenda to make our food system sustainable and resilient in the years to come.
It includes €500 million in exceptional aid to support farmers most affected, including an allocation of €15.8 million to Ireland, and agreement to deploy measures to support specific markets.
I continue to engage with all our stakeholders and continue to work across Government, and with our European partners, to respond to this crisis, using all of the tools at our disposal.. We must protect our farm families and their businesses through this period of significant upheaval.
Forestry Sector
Questions (153)
Alan Farrell
Question:153. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on his efforts to minimise the processing times in relation to forestry projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26807/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued 4,050 forestry licences last year, which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020, and met our revised target of 4,000 licences. It is our intention to build on this momentum in 2022.
The Forestry Licensing Plan was published and commenced in January 2022. The Plan sets out a range of forestry priorities set to run for the whole of 2022.
A target of the Plan is Reduce the average Turnaround Times (TATs) for licensing applications. The TAT is calculated as the number of days it takes from the date the application is first advertised to date of decision issued.
In the Quarter 1 Update on the Licensing Plan 2022 the TAT is 14.2 months for afforestation, 14.8 months for felling and 10.6 months for roads.
Many older files are currently screened in and referred to Ecology. The Department has made further improvements to our systems and significantly, we have acquired the services of experienced ecologists who will be entirely focused on afforestation. The total number of full-time equivalent ecologists is now 36. The increased ecology resources are working on the older files, and given that proportionately more files will be processed from this cohort, the TAT will increase in the medium term before it reduces.
The Deputy will also be aware that my Department has, through Project Woodland, commissioned an independent regulatory review to consider whether its processes can be improved while continuing to fully meet the environmental requirements.
This external review is currently being finalised and following extensive stakeholder consultation is expected to be published in the coming weeks.
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsbility for the forestry sector, we are committed to reducing these processing times.
Forestry Sector
Questions (154)
Joe Carey
Question:154. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider fundamental reform to the ash die back scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26412/22]
View answerWritten answers
Ash dieback disease was first found in Ireland in late 2012 and is now found throughout the country. The year-on-year spread and impact of the disease on ash, one of our most important native broadleaves is expected to increase whether ash is found in a forest, hedgerow or roadside. The landscape, cultural, ecological and economic impact will be significant.
The exact origin of ash dieback disease in Ireland or when it was introduced are unknown. It is likely that the disease was introduced into Ireland on infected plants for use in either forest, farm or roadside planting.
The experience of ash dieback disease provides clear evidence of the increasing threat to our plant health status through a combination of trade and climate change.
The Department has taken a number of significant steps in response to this experience, including the publication of its Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy, the establishment of a new area of expertise in the Department in Pest Risk Analysis and in financial support to growers impacted to allow them to remove infected ash and replace it with other suitable species. I understand that a small percentage of the ash population thought to be 1%-2% may be disease tolerant.
The Department has, and continues to, support a number of research initiatives in order to identify tolerant ash trees for use in ash breeding programmes for the future.
Since the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, the 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. We have committed under the Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 to refocus on the delivery of most approvals under the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme.
Applications for that scheme are received regularly and decisions are issued as the assessment of the applications are complete. The Deputy will be aware that the Department is currently developing a New Forestry Programme for 2023-2027 which is examining all aspects of the afforestation programme and support schemes.
The Department is also currently examining the uptake of the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme(Ash Dieback) in 2022 and the challenges faced by the owners of ash plantations in availing of the scheme in the context of the current year planned expenditure.
Agriculture Industry
Questions (155)
Charles Flanagan
Question:155. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he proposes to take to help alleviate the challenging situation for pig farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19831/22]
View answerWritten answers
The continued development of the pigmeat sector is a priority for the Government, given the pivotal role the industry plays in the national economic context. The sector supports approximately 8,000 jobs spanning production, slaughter, processing, feed manufacture and services. I am acutely aware of the challenges pig farmers are facing at present.
In March, I announced the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme (PEPS), with a fund of up to €7 million, for commercial pig farmers. Farmers were able to receive a payment of up to €20,000 per farmer. Over 80% of applications have since been processed for payment. The remaining applications are currently being processed.
On 13th April, I announced the Government's approval for exceptional aid supports of €15.8 million for the pig and horticulture sector, which will be funded from Ireland's envelope of EU exceptional adjustment aid under Commission delegated regulation 2022/467. The approval was for €13 million for the pig sector and €2.8 million for the horticulture sector.
Member States are required to notify the Commission of the measures to be taken before 30th June, and to pay the supports by 30th September 2022. We are working hard developing the scheme in order to deliver a rapid as possible payment to farm families.
In addition to the two support measures I have just detailed, I have had ongoing discussions with the main banks to discuss the current challenges in the pigmeat sector and the importance of their ongoing support through the current downturn in the business cycle. The key message to farmers experiencing cashflow difficulties is to engage with the banks as soon as possible to discuss options and that the banks remain committed to supporting their customers in the period ahead.
Separately, I met with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to discuss the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme and the COVID- 19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, both of which are co-financed by my Department. These finance schemes can be used for working capital finance and include features which address the current financial needs of pig farmers.
The financial schemes detailed above are part of a wider package of measures to support the pigmeat sector, including intensified efforts by Bord Bia to promote quality assured Irish pigmeat in the domestic and export markets, with dedicated media advertising campaigns under way nationally, as well as EU-funded pigmeat promotion programmes running in key export markets.
Teagasc has also intensified its dedicated, ongoing advisory supports being provided to pig farmers and is actively engaging with pig farmers to explore the options available to them.
My Department continues to engage at EU level to ensure a joined-up EU approach to the challenges arising from Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.