Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
926. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the horticultural sector has sufficient supplies of horticultural peat and alternatives to alternative peat; the engagement he has had with the representatives of the sector; what was discussed at these engagements; what resulted from these engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32026/22]
View answerMy Department regularly engages with the horticulture sector on a range of issues impacting the sector including in relation to peat supply and peat alternatives. Industry representatives have raised concerns around peat supply for the horticulture sector following a recent court ruling.
On 17th January 2022, my Department in conjunction with the Departments of Environment, Climate and Communications and Housing, Local Government and Heritage published a working paper that set out a series of actions to support horticultural growers who are dependent on peat as a growing medium.
One of the actions under the remit of my Department was to commission an independent expert to work with all suppliers to ascertain the level of horticultural peat stocks available to growers. This expert was commissioned at the end of March 2022 and is currently compiling a report of their findings which is expected in a matter of weeks.
My Department continues to support and facilitate research in the development of alternatives to peat for horticulture and is funding the ‘Beyond Peat’ project with a budget €1.69 million. This project commenced in February 2022 and is a significant step in assisting the horticulture sector to transition from peat as a growing media to sustainable alternatives.
My Department is also funding two sustainability research projects through the EU Producer Organisation scheme for fruit and vegetables. This support is being reflected in ongoing shelf and house trials on peat alternatives in the mushroom sector and good progress is being reported by industry.
The peat supply needs of the horticulture sector for the coming period will be met through existing stockpiles of peat, ongoing supply from Northern Ireland for the mushroom industry and an element of peat imports from outside of Ireland.
