Written Answers Nos. 61-80
61. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that he plans to introduce to support farmers in meeting climate action sectoral targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38540/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, all sectors of the economy have been set with challenging targets in order to achieve the economy wide 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The agriculture sector will need to reduce emissions by between 22% and 30% by 2030, this will require transformational change across each one of our 140,000 family farms. I have been clear that a whole-of-sector, whole-of-government approach will be needed to achieve our objectives. The target is challenging but I will support our farm families every step of this process.
In terms of public supports, the CAP Strategic Plan which is currently going through the approval process in Brussels will undoubtedly be a key pillar of the State's climate action support. The CAP Strategic Plan will provide €9.8bn of support the economic, environmental and social sustainability for farmers and rural communities.
Key elements of this plan include:
- a new Eco-scheme. This scheme has a number of climate- and environment-focused farming practices, which will be open to all farmers. These include practices aimed at reducing chemical nitrogen usage, increasing tree planting, increasing nature- and biodiversity-rich land areas and encouraging extensive livestock production;
- an ambitious new Pillar 2 environmental scheme, the AECM, targeted at 50,000 participants. This will be underpinned by a greater focus on results-based actions and on collective actions aimed at achieving landscape-scale benefits;
- an Organic Farming Scheme aimed at more than tripling the area of agricultural land that is farmed organically;
- A suckler carbon efficiency scheme which will contribute to the objective of early finishing times of our prime beef cattle. This scheme will reward suckler farmers with a payment of €150/cow on the first 10 cows which compares to €90/cow for the outgoing BDGP.
- A revised TAMS scheme which provides more capital funding for on-farm investment than the preceding scheme and which will have increased incentives for environmental investments including renewable energy;
In addition, I established two Food Vision 2030 working groups on dairy on beef and sheepmeat which will set out a clear roadmap to enable the sectors reduce emissions. Any additional public supports required to assist with the transformation in agriculture will be set out in the final version of these documents which are expected to finalised this year. These will then be considered by Government.
My colleague Minister of State Pippa Hackett is also developing a new National Forestry Strategy and Forestry Programme which are currently the subject of detailed public consultation. Our aim is to have these concluded and in place for the start of 2023 with an increased set of incentives to attract farmers and landowners to consider planting trees which is a key part of our climate actions.
I will work with industry to ensure that their sustainability payment supports fully align with our public supports. By taking this coordinated approach, I am confident the sector will be able to achieve its climate objectives.
62. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work that his Department has undertaken to support increased awareness of the importance of mental health among farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38244/22]
View answerI thank the Deputy for this question on such an important topic.
This Government has prioritised farm safety, health and wellbeing. Dedicated funding of €2.25m was allocated in Budget 2022 for a range of initiatives including initiatives to support increased awareness of the importance of mental health among farmers.
My Department is co-funding, with the HSE and the Department of Health, a farmers physical and mental health awareness programme called, ‘On Feirm Ground’. This programme provides training for agricultural advisors to improve their understanding of best practice in engaging farmers with health programmes and services.
To date, over 200 agricultural advisors have been trained with a target to deliver the programme to 800 farm advisors by the middle of next year.
Last year, my Department funded eight farm safety European Innovation Partnerships (EIP’s) projects to the value of €1.8m. Of these eight projects, four are focused on mental health in the farming community.
The projects focus on addressing challenges around farm safety, health and well-being through innovative approaches which encourage a change in behaviour from the bottom up. My Department continues to monitor the progress of these projects and will study their outcome to inform future policy and initiatives in this area.
One such project is the EmbraceFARM ‘Encircle’ Programme which Minister Heydon Martin Heydon recently launched. The programme supports farm families in the aftermath of a sudden accident or trauma on the family farm.
My Department also supports the work of the HSA’s Farm Safety Partnership and was recently involved in the publication of its booklet on “Farmers’ Health and Wellbeing - A Guide to Staying Healthy While Farming”. The booklet, which includes a section on coping with stress and minding your mental health, was launched at the recent Teagasc Beef 2022.
63. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made on the Programme for Government commitment to double ex-gratia grants to animal welfare organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38072/22]
View answerAnimal welfare is very high on my agenda and considerable resources and funding are provided by my Department to address the issue.
The Programme for Government commitment to double the funding allocated to animal welfare organisations over a two year period was based on the 2020 budget allocation of €2.435m. Savings elsewhere in the Department's vote enabled the eventual awarding of €3.2 million to 101 organisations in 2020.
In December 2021, I announced the allocation of over €3.7 million in grants to 98 animal welfare charities throughout the country. In line with the Programme for Government commitment, this was the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made in Ireland.
It is my intention to fulfil the Programme for Government commitment to award funding that will double the 2020 €2.435 budget allocation, subject to my Department's policy objectives and financial resources being available.
The call for grant applications for this year's awards was launched last month and applications received are now being evaluated by my officials. The application process has been revised this year to reflect the importance of the provision of education on animal welfare by grant applicants to a broader range of citizens, with the goal of improving the understanding of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership by the public.
64. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will split the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund in order that horse racing and greyhound racing will be funded separately by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38243/22]
View answerAn important pillar of Government policy is to ensure that the horse and greyhound racing industries achieve their maximum potential, and in so doing, contribute to economic and social development over a wide geographic distribution.
The horse and greyhound racing industries make a valuable contribution to our economy. It is estimated that the thoroughbred industry has an annual economic impact of €1.84 billion with direct and indirect employment of 29,000 people, and the greyhound sector provides an estimated 10,000 people with economic benefit. The thoroughbred industry, in particular, brings a high level of international investment into Ireland.
Government funding, in addition to supporting these key industries, presents an excellent opportunity to yield a high return for its investment, leading to a flow of income right through the economy, thereby providing widespread benefits for our society.
The Irish equine breeding and racing industry is extremely competitive at a global level. We are the third biggest producer of thoroughbred foals in the world and estimates place Ireland only behind the United States as the biggest seller of bloodstock by public auction globally. Successive Governments have acknowledged the importance of these industries and have supported them through legislation and policy initiatives.
The support provided by public funds through investment in these industries has enabled Ireland to develop a world class reputation for excellence in horseracing, greyhound racing and breeding.
The horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001. My Department makes payments from the Fund to Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and to Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ). In the period 2001 to 2021 a total of some €1.46 billion has been paid from the Fund to the horse and greyhound racing industries in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Exchequer support provided from the Fund is crucial to the survival and continued development of the horse and greyhound racing industries. In Budget 2022 an allocation of €88 million was provided for the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund.
This will be distributed in accordance with Section 12(6) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, with 80% going to HRI (€70.4m) and 20% to RCÉ (€17.6m).
I have no current plans to introduce legislation to provide a separate exchequer funding mechanism for HRI and RCÉ and the industries they support.
65. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to ensure adequate processing capacity and market demand for organic produce. [37910/22]
View answerI am committed to implementing the National Organic Strategy 2025 which outlines the actions and supports necessary to remove the barriers to the growth of the organic sector.
One of the main objectives of the strategy is to develop a viable Organic Food Sector in Ireland producing a wide range of organic products to meet the ever increasing domestic and export markets opportunities.
In 2022, a new Organic Forum was established to continue implement the National Organic Strategy and to further develop the organic sector in Ireland.
The Forum comprises a range of stakeholders including from the farming and food processing sectors, organic certification bodies and relevant State Agencies including Bord Bia. This group will be the forum for discussion on all relevant issues to the Irish organic sector including addressing market demand.
Minister of State Pippa Hackett will lead a high-level trade mission to Germany this month to coincide with Biofach, the largest organic trade fair in Europe to help promote organic Irish food and drink in the German market.
Furthermore, to assist in meeting market demand for organic produce, my Department currently offers funding to processors who wish to invest in developing facilities for the processing, preparation, grading, packing and storage of organic products under the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme. It is a demand led scheme and all eligible applications received are assessed based on the terms and conditions of the scheme.
A budget of €1.2 million has been allocated to this Scheme for 2022 with a maximum payment of €700,000 available on eligible expenditure.
It is through initiatives like these that we will continue to develop the sector at production and processing level and help meet increasing domestic and export market opportunities for organic produce.
66. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that he is taking to increase the supply of labour for the pig sector; if he intends to enable an increase in the rate to which permits are processed; his views on the introduction of a method to fast-track permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38539/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has lead responsibility for employment permits. Arising from ongoing engagement with sector stakeholders, my Department is in regular contact with that Department regarding the labour shortages that exist in certain sub-sectors of agri-food.
Granting employment permits is one method for helping to fill labour shortages, although it is considered to be a last resort. In advance of this, the Department of Social Protection are involved in helping employers recruit from the domestic and European labour market. Sectors also need to have appropriate labour attraction and retention policies in place.
In relation to the rate at which permits are processed my understanding is that processing times for general employment permits are significantly shorter now than earlier in the year, and that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are working to reduce these times even further over the next number of months.
On labour supply more generally, the Food Vision 2030 strategy includes a goal to “Attract and Nurture Diverse and Inclusive Talent”, which includes a number of specific actions aimed at attracting and retaining talent in the agri-food sector. I chair the meetings of the Food Vision 2030 High Level Implementation Committee, which will provide leadership in progressing the missions and actions set out in the Food Vision strategy.
67. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor the cost of farm inputs including fuel and fertilisers with a view to identifying the best way to meet the challenges of issues arising from the war in the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38478/22]
View answerThe current situation in relation to the cost and availability of farm inputs is a significant concern. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine led to significant hikes in energy, feed and fertiliser prices and significant concerns around supply chain disruption.
Earlier in the crisis, 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. This Group continues to meet and I will continue to engage closely with the sector as we work together on these significant challenges.
Within the Department, I established a Rapid Response Team, chaired by the Secretary General, to actively monitor the impacts on agri-food supply chains and to contribute to the whole of Government response to this crisis.
I launched the 2022 Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign at Teagasc’s Ballyhaise College in January in response to the unprecedented fertiliser price levels.
This credible roadmap, which I tasked Teagasc in developing, will help alleviate reduce their dependency on chemical fertiliser in the longer-term. Teagasc has also issued revised advice to farmers on the recommended application amounts of fertilisers for silage fields to reflect the increase in fertiliser price.
Given Ireland’s dependence on imported feed, 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 on 22nd March.
The package supports the growing of additional tillage and protein crops and the establishment of multi-species swards lowering demand for chemical fertiliser. Following on from the package of measures announced in recent months to provide support to Irish farmers, I launched a €56 million Fodder Support Scheme on 15th June 2022.
My Department continues to closely monitor the evolving situation and is actively engaging with the EU Commission, across Government and with industry as this situation unfolds.
As the Deputy is aware, I am committed to supporting our farm families and their businesses through this very challenging period.
68. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to mitigate the forecasted grain shortage due to the war in Ukraine and extreme weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38542/22]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee in March of this year.
I tasked the Committee with preparing a multi-sectoral response to identify those issues that will arise for feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs as a result of the war in the Ukraine, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.
Central at that time was the announcement of the Targeted Intervention Package which identified three key pillars aimed at supporting Irish families arising both from events in Ukraine and wider global price volatility.
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 in reducing Ireland’s reliance on imported feed materials.
The Package also included 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 yield.
I have also recently launched a €56 million Fodder Support Scheme. This Scheme aims to incentivise farmers, in particular drystock farmers, to grow more fodder (silage and/or hay) for the coming winter to ensure we do not have any animal welfare issue over the coming winter and next spring. The Scheme will have a payment rate of up to €100 per hectare and I hope there will be strong uptake from farmers.
The National Fodder and Food Security Committee will continue to advise me in the coming months on issues relating to the security of supply of fodder for the coming winter.
69. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Ireland’s lead in carbon efficiency over other European Union Member States has changed significantly in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38222/22]
View answerThe Deputy raises an important issue in the context of climate action and the possible concerns around carbon leakage which is specifically reference in the Climate Act of 2021.
Ireland continues to be a very efficient producer of meat and milk protein, indeed our tillage sector is also highly efficient and produces some of the highest yields in the world year after year.
Approximately 10 years ago, the EU Joint Research Centre published a report showing Ireland and Austria as the most carbon efficient producers of dairy on a kg product per kg emissions basis. Ireland was also the 5th most efficient producer of beef.
While this study has not been repeated by the Joint Research Centre to the best of my knowledge, there are a number of official data sources that clearly show Ireland's positive performance in this area.
Teagasc published research in 2021 showing that in 2019, the carbon efficiency of cattle production in Ireland was 12.3 kg CO2 per kg liveweight output, this had decreased from 13.7Kg in 2014.
For example, the OECD would put the carbon intensity of beef production closer to 40-50Kg per kg output. Similarly, on the dairy side, Ireland was at 1.14kg CO2 per kg FPCM (fat protein corrected milk), the similar figure was 1.23 in 2014. Ireland continues to make incremental gains, in this is incredibly important for the marketing of Irish food exports all over the globe.
Given the improvements made since the initial EU Joint Research Centre report, I am very confident the carbon intensity of Irish meat and milk production compare very favourably across the EU, and indeed across the globe. This is mainly driven by our pasture based production system.
However, the challenge is clear, while improving emissions intensity is important, we must also reduce absolute emissions in the sectors in order to achieve our climate targets in 2030.
70. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the objectives that his Department hopes to achieve through the agri-climate rural environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38245/22]
View answerA comprehensive Needs Assessment was undertaken as part of the development of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (CSP). The aim of the Needs Assessment was to identify and prioritise the high-level needs of the Irish agri-food sector and was based on the evidence provided in Ireland’s SWOT Analysis, feedback provided by stakeholders, and the recommendations provided by the European Commission with regard to Ireland’s CSP. A total of 37 needs were identified across the nine specific objectives and one cross-cutting objective of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023-2027.
A new agri-environmental scheme to be known as the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (‘ACRES’), was accordingly developed and proposed as part of Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan which is currently with the EU Commission for approval. €1.5 billion in funding has also been committed to the scheme over the lifetime of the next CAP.
The CAP objectives to be specifically addressed by ACRES are:
- To contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, including by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration, as well as to promote sustainable energy
- To foster sustainable development and efficient management of natural resources such as water, soil and air, including by reducing chemical dependency
- To contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, enhance ecosystem services and preserve habitats and landscapes
- To improve the response of Union agriculture to societal demands on food and health, including high-quality, safe and nutritious food produced in a sustainable way, to reduce food waste, as well as to improve animal welfare and to combat antimicrobial resistances.
ACRES proposes to achieve these objectives by offering a range of appropriate actions, with attractive payment rates, from which farmers may choose, with such actions when implemented contributing a range of environmental, climate and biodiversity benefits. ACRES will be an effective and farmer-friendly scheme.
It should be noted that approval for Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan is awaited from the EU Commission, so all of the proposals may be subject to change.
71. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of any analysis carried out by his Department on foot of the recommendations in the recently published Wool Feasibility Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38171/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, one of the commitments of the current Programme for Government is to conduct a review of the potential demand for wool-based products such as for insulation and fertilisers in domestic and international markets. Despite its versatility in many industries, wool prices remain unacceptably low so in order to address this issue and seek a more favourable outlook for the future of the wool industry I initiated a comprehensive review of the wool industry to explore market opportunities in order to to maximise the potential of this valuable natural resource.
In March 2021, I launched a public consultation process to identify terms of reference for the review and to invite stakeholders to make recommendations on potential domestic and international market opportunities for wool products. Stakeholders submitted a total of 45 submissions.
Following a competitive public procurement procedure, ‘The Agile Executive’ a consortium made up of experts from Munster Technological University and Donegal Yarns, were appointed in November 2021 to carry out the wool review and examine the submissions received under the public consultation process.
The Agile Executive produced a report on the findings of the review and this report was published on the 1st July 2022. This report which was compiled independently by The Agile Executive, contains a number of findings and recommendations. One of the main recommendations is the establishment of an industry-led Wool Council which would develop and promote Irish wool domestically and internationally and bring together multiple stakeholders to foster collaboration, innovation and scaling activities in the wool sector.
I am very supportive of this recommendation and I have committed to provide funding to the wool industry of €30,000 towards the initial set-up costs of setting up the Wool Council. This will be in an excellent forum in which stakeholders can further examine and explore the potential uses for wool identified in the Wool feasibility study report.
72. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a financial support scheme for farmers who live adjacent to rivers, streams, lakes and turloughs that are prone to flooding to develop flood protection measures on their landholdings. [38528/22]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) are responsible for general flood relief works, however my Department monitors the situation where farmland or farmyards are subject to flooding.
Through Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan my Department is proposing a number of measures that have the potential to improve water retention and in cases will also support floodplain management. These include proposed actions under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) relating to riparian buffer strips/zones, planting of trees in riparian buffers, low input grassland and extensively grazed pasture. In addition, to address water quality issues, a dedicated Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Scheme is also currently being developed with support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage .
Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan was submitted to the European Commission at the end of 2021. It will hopefully be shortly agreed with the European Commission with measures coming into effect from the start of 2023.
73. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will put in place measures to speed up the marine licensing process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38530/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate the aquaculture licensing process is complex. The timeline for processing an aquaculture licence varies depending on a number of factors including location, species, scale and intensity of production, statutory status of sites and potential visual impact.
The Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable national and EU legislation. There are several statutory timeframes set out in the legislation in respect of aquaculture licensing as the process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation. In addition, the legislation governing aquaculture licensing provides for an independent appeals mechanism. Foreshore licenses may also be appealed by way of Judicial Review.
The Independent Aquaculture Licensing Review Group carried out a detailed examination of the existing aquaculture licensing process, undertook comprehensive stakeholder consultation and examined comparative national and international consent systems to determine best practice for managing a complex licensing process in a transparent, environmentally appropriate and legally robust manner. The recommendation to eliminate the backlog as a priority has been delivered in relation to shellfish and priority work is ongoing to address outstanding renewal applications in finfish aquaculture.
I recently launched phase one of the new state of the art Aquaculture Information Management System (AQUAMIS). The online viewer was developed in collaboration with the Marine Institute and is the first step in digitising the aquaculture licensing application process. This online aquaculture viewer allows members of the public to freely access and view licensed aquaculture sites and mapping information through a public portal. Phase 2 of the project is currently being developed and will result in a one stop shop for the aquaculture licence application process, enhance the sharing of information and reduce the administrative burden.
The Department is continually monitoring all of its services, including the licensing of aquaculture activities to ensure we provide an efficient service to all our customers while ensuring our environmental and legal obligations are being adhered to.
74. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the speed with which the framework to support carbon farming will be put in place in Ireland; and the countries that are the best international exemplars in this respect. [38221/22]
View answerI know that a framework to support carbon farming needs to be put in place as quickly as possible and we plan on becoming a world leader in this area.
The Deputy will be aware that there are knowledge and data gaps that will need to be bridged to facilitate carbon farming and that is why I have identified and funded a number of key research and demonstration activities which will not only influence our policy direction in the coming years but will also help to provide baseline information on key activities within the agricultural and land use sectors.
In research, we are currently supporting data gathering activities such as the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory (NASCO) infrastructure, the Pilot Soil Sampling Programme and the Farm Environmental Study (FES), while also providing funding to European Innovation Projects such as the Farm Carbon EIP and FarmPEAT EIP which will provide specific information not only on the baseline data but also on how we can influence land use management change in these areas.
In demonstration our recently launched country wide network of Teagasc supported Signpost Farms will showcase how best practice management techniques can be adopted on a wide range of enterprises and soil types.
These research and demonstration activities along with the recent establishment of the Carbon Farming Working Group, chaired through DAFM, will allow us to address a number of requirements around carbon farming mainly in the areas of establishing baseline data, auditing, governance and address the need for the Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of carbon removals/reductions.
Within this ongoing work we are indeed monitoring developments in other Member States such as France and the Netherlands, which can provide useful learnings in this area.
75. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions that he is taking to promote afforestation and biodiversity. [38534/22]
View answerThe Department is actively involved in the promotion of afforestation, including in relation to the protection and enhancement of biodiversity within our forests.
The Forestry Programme already has a wide range of generous grants and annual premiums that makes forestry an excellent land use option which can complement existing farming enterprises, and includes support schemes such as the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme which focus specifically on enhancing biodiversity. In this regard we also aim to facilitate small scale native tree planting up to 1 hectare. without the need for an afforestation licence, to encourage greater diversity.
As the Deputy may be aware, Project Woodland was established in February 2021 to ensure that the current licensing backlog is addressed and that a new impetus is brought to woodland creation in Ireland. A national shared vision for the future of Ireland's trees and forests and a new Forestry Strategy are currently being developed. This new Forest Strategy will underpin a new Forestry Programme for the period 2023 - 2027. The Department has had extensive public consultation on the Strategy, which has brought forestry to the fore in terms of awareness, and we are currently engaging further with stakeholders on the measures that will be considered for the new Programme.
There was an Open Call by the Department for Proposals for Woodland Support Projects to take place during 2021 and 2022, aimed at promoting the multi-functional benefits of forestry including the recreational, environmental, community and economic benefits. Some 39 individual projects were selected for funding with a total budget of €1.4 million over the two years. One of the categories specifically targeted projects which support and highlight the environmental benefits of woodlands, including biodiversity.
We also work closely with Teagasc which delivers a Forestry advisory and promotion programme each year to increase awareness levels and promote the multiple benefits associated with forestry.
COFORD has a Promotion and Afforestation Working Group (PAW), consisting of representatives from the various stakeholder groups, whose objective is to promote forestry including the implementation of measures to sustain and increase afforestation.
A refreshed Communications Strategy to promote all aspects of forestry, including increased afforestation and biodiversity is being finalised. The Strategy objective is to be accessible, inclusive and collaborative and will work across a wide range of communication channels and tools to provide timely and accurate information which will promote a shared national vision for forestry in Ireland.
76. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will increase TAMS funding to reflect the rising cost of construction and construction related materials. [38527/22]
View answerI am aware of the impacts of rising costs of inflation and my Department monitors these issues closely.
This includes the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) where we have undertaken a number of reviews of its reference costs during the lifetime of the scheme. Another full review of the reference costs in the scheme has recently concluded and was undertaken by my Department.
As a result of this, I have increased reference costs under the scheme with increases ranging from 5-15% across the investment items listed under TAMS. These changes have been implemented from the opening of Tranche 26 on 9th April 2022. These are in addition to increases of 5-20% on costings already introduced in July 2021. This is the third increase to be implemented in costs in the last 3 years.
Tranche 26 of TAMS closed on 1st July 2022, with Tranche 27 opening on the 2nd July. It is open to individual applicants to withdraw an application under the scheme prior to its approval and submit a revised application, should they decide that they wish to avail of the increased reference costs.
77. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider expanding tillage supports to dairy farmers given the ongoing and unusual dry weather. [38512/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee in March of this year.
I tasked the Committee with preparing a multi-sectoral response to identify those issues that will arise for feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.
Central at that time was the announcement of the Targeted Intervention Package which identified three key pillars aimed at supporting Irish families arising both from events in Ukraine and wider global price volatility. 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 in reducing Ireland’s reliance on imported feed materials.
The Package also included 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 yield.
I would like to make the Deputy aware that the various measures introduced under the Targeted Intervention Package as already outlined are available to all farmers including dairy farmers.
The National Fodder and Food Security Committee will continue to advise me in the coming months on issues relating to the security of supply of fodder for the coming winter.
