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Thursday, 14 Jul 2022

Written Answers Nos. 41-60

Agriculture Industry

Questions (41)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

41. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of meetings that he has held with the owners of beef factories since he took office; the dates upon which these meetings took place; and the purpose of the meetings. [38214/22]

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Written answers

I have not had any meetings with the owners of the country's meat processors since being appointed Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in September 2020. I have had meetings with Meat Industry Ireland, the IBEC-based representative group for the country's meat processing industry, on three occasions. The meetings took place on 4/9/2020, 1/2/2021 and 10/5/2021.

Forestry Sector

Questions (42)

Matt Carthy

Question:

42. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his response to the fact that targets relating to the issuance of forestry licences have been missed in over 65% of weeks in the first half of this year; and his proposals to ensure that yearly targets are met. [37913/22]

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Written answers

As members may know my Department has committed to issuing 5,250 forestry licences this year, which is an increase of 30% on the number issued last year. The Forestry Licensing Plan was published at the start of the year and sets out a range of forestry priorities set to run for the whole of 2022.

As regards progression towards our overall target at the end of Quarter 2 up to 30th June, we have issued 2,449 licences, just short of the projected average of 2,635 at 93%. It is, however, inevitable, in that the context of the annual target figures, there will be fluctuations in licence output and across categories from week to week.

Across the individual categories of private felling, Coillte felling and roads we are close to or above our projected target. I acknowledge that we have not reached expected levels in relation to afforestation, at 57%.

In order to achieve our targets, we have improved our systems, and given the number of files required to be referred to ecology, we have recruited a signficant number of additional ecologists. There are now 35 full-time equivalent ecologists working on forestry applications with 21 dealing with afforestation. The full impact of these measures and of this recruitment will become evident in the second half of the year.

Training of these new staff and the requirement for a 30 day public consultation period for those sites subject to Appropriate Assessment has delayed output to date, but the second half of the year will see an increase in the number of afforestation files issued.

Furthermore, to ensure efficient use of resources and similar to other planning authorities, files with outstanding further information requests back with the applicants over a set time will be removed from the licensing worklist. Reminders will always be sent to applicants to make them aware of the situation with their file.

In the interest of full transparency details of all licences issued by category are available on the weekly dashboard. This is published on my Department's website and is made available to all interested parties as well as being submitted to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine each week.

It remains my firm commitment to meet the targets as set out in the Licencing Plan and to deliver for the forestry sector in Ireland.

Organic Farming

Questions (43)

Brian Leddin

Question:

43. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount by which the area of agricultural land under organic production has increased since the Government took office; and when next the organic farming scheme will reopen for new entrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38246/22]

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Written answers

I am fully committed to achieving our target under the current Programme for Government which is to align the utilisable agricultural area under organic production in Ireland with the EU average of 7.5%. In 2021, I re-opened the Organic Farming Scheme and a total of 317 applications were received. Of these, 300 received approval bringing in approximately 12,000 hectares of additional land under organic production.

For 2022, I secured a budget allocation of €21 million for the Organic Farming Scheme, an increase of €5 million from the previous year. I introduced changes to the scheme by reducing the required stocking rate and increasing the cap on the higher rate of payment from 60 hectares to 70 hectares. I believe these measures were successful in encouraging new entrants to transition to organic farming.

In April 2022, the scheme opened once again, 380 applications were received representing a 20% increase in applications from 2021. These applications are currently being processed and approval letters will issue later this year.

However, I am confident that the budget I secured for the Organic Farming Scheme this year will be sufficient to accommodate all eligible applications. It is anticipated that these applications will bring in an additional 17,000 hectares of land giving an overall increase of 35% of land being farmed organically since the government took office.

It is expected the scheme will re-open in October 2022 for applicants to apply under the new CAP. I have proposed an indicative allocation of €256 million to continue the development and growth of the organic sector, which represents a five-fold increase on funding for organics under the previous CAP.

This level of funding will facilitate enhanced payments to organic farmers across all sectors, which will further support maintenance and conversion to Organic Farming and assist in achieving our target of 7.5% of land cover under organic production by 2027.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (44)

Matt Carthy

Question:

44. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has notified the European Commission of his intended proposal to disperse funds associated with the European Crisis Reserve; and if his notification made reference to the use of co-financing. [37911/22]

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Written answers

I have moved to support the pig sector as farm families have had to had to deal with enormous pressures in recent months.

On 23rd March, the EU Commission announced the adoption of exceptional adjustment aid to producers in agricultural sectors which have been impacted by Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. The aid provided for was granted as a measure supporting agricultural markets following the transfer of funds from the reserve for crisis in the agricultural sector.

The exceptional aid allocation to Ireland was €15.8 million in EU funding and there are detailed requirements and conditionality attached to this allocation set out in Commission Delegated Regulation 2022/467 of 23rd March 2022.

The Government approved my proposal to allocate €2.8 million of this EU funding to support the Irish horticulture sector, with the remainder of the funds dedicated to supporting the pig sector. The EU Commission was notified to this effect last month and on 13th June, I announced the opening of applications for the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme 2 (PEPS2).

A total fund of €13 million is being made available for this voluntary scheme for pig farmers, to support the viability of this important sector. The scheme closed for applications on Monday 11th July and payments will be made as soon as possible

The PEP2 scheme is in addition to the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme I announced in February, funded by the Exchequer and notified under the agriculture de minimis state aid provisions, to support commercial pig farmers. This scheme provided for a payment of up to €20,000 per farmer. All payments have now been processed under that scheme.

I meet with stakeholders on an ongoing basis to discuss the impact of the Ukraine crisis on Irish agriculture and supply chains. Since the invasion of Ukraine started, I have announced a number of measures, valued at €91 million, to assist the agri-food sector. These targeted measures, which include the €15.8 million in EU exceptional aid referenced above, will help Irish farmers at a time of escalating costs and build resilience against the expected impact of the situation in Ukraine.

Food Industry

Questions (45)

Holly Cairns

Question:

45. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made on the Programme for Government commitment to establish a new authority called the national food ombudsman to enforce the Unfair Trading Practices Directive. [38549/22]

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Written answers

As the Deputy may be aware, in April 2021, I signed the Statutory Instrument transposing the UTP Directive directly into Irish law. 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.

As the Deputy may also be aware, the Heads of the Agr-Food Bill 2022 were approved by government on 22ndMarch this year, published on my Department’s website and submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the context of pre-legislative scrutiny. The Bill was also sent to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for detailed drafting at that time and my Department continues to liaise with that Office to finalise the draft Bill.

On 29th June last I met with the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to discuss the draft Bill. The session was constructive, and I want to take this opportunity to thank the Committee Chairperson and all members for their feedback and comments.

I look forward to receiving the Committee's report on the pre-legislative scrutiny process as soon as possible.

In the meantime, I want to assure the Deputy, that the Unfair Trading Practices Regulations continue to be enforced by the interim Enforcement Authority located in my Department. I would encourage any supplier or buyer of agri-food products to familiarise themselves with their rights and obligations under the Regulations via the Enforcement Authority’s website: www.utp.gov.ie.

Anyone who feels they have been impacted by one of the 16 unfair trading practices can find out how to make a complaint in absolute confidence at the same location.

To coincide with enactment or commencement of the Bill, the current UTP Regulations will be repealed. I will use the enabling provisions in the draft 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 be one with real teeth and 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. It is my intention to present the final draft of the Bill to the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (46)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

46. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his considerations for new measures to incentivise young farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38543/22]

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Written answers

Measures to incentivise young farmers have been a key feature of my support in the promotion of generational renewal in Irish agriculture. It is crucial that we have new blood coming into the sector and I am a stroing advocate of generational renewal. New measures to underpin this support for young farmers are planned for the new CAP from 2023.

The CAP Strategic Plan submitted to the EU Commission at the end of December 2021 contains proposed support measures for young farmers. Under Pillar I of the next CAP Ireland has proposed support for young farmers as a priority category under the National Reserve to provide for an allocation of payment entitlements at the national average value on eligible land for which the young farmer holds no entitlements, or topping up low value entitlements held by the young farmer to the national average.

Ireland has also proposed utilising the option to implement the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers. This scheme will see an additional payment per hectare made to eligible young farmers, subject to a maximum of 50 hectares, for a period of five years. An amount of €35.5 million will be provided in supports to young farmers each year from 2023 to 2027 under this scheme.

This will see average payments of some €175 per hectare to eligible young farmers from 2023-2027, compared to the average payment of some €68 per activated payment entitlement under the Young Farmers Scheme 2015-2022.

Under Pillar II of the next CAP, it is proposed that a grant rate for young farmers for Capital Investments will be 60% with an indicative investment ceiling limit to be applied of €90,000 per holding and €160,000 per holding for partnership applications.

This level of grant rate is proposed in order to support young farmers and specifically to enable them to take on any necessary on farm infrastructural improvement work. This 60% grant rate compares favourably to the general 40% rate and is designed to be a significant support for qualified young farmers.

Additional support to young farmers is also provided under the Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme. The proposed supports for young farmers under the next CAP will be subject to Ireland receiving EU Commission approval for the CAP Strategic Plan.

There are also a range of State backed supports for young farmers. These include strong taxation measures to assist land mobility and facilitate succession and are worth some €200 million per annum. Succession and the early transfer of family farms is supported by Agricultural Relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax and Stamp Duty exemptions.

In addition, the Succession Farm Partnership Scheme provides for a €25,000 tax credit over five years to further assist the transfer of land within a partnership structure to encourage earlier transfer of family farms. Investment and access to land are supported by 100% Stamp Duty Relief for Young Trained Farmers, 100% Stock Relief for Young Trained Farmers and Relief for Long-Term Leasing.

I make an annual Budget submission to my colleague, the Minister for Finance, on matters related to the agri-food sector including the periodic renewal of relevant taxation measures.

On access to finance, the Future Growth Loan Scheme which provides long term investment finance was developed with assisting young farmers among its objectives. The scheme has seen strong demand, with 1,285 loans to the value of €153.4m sanctioned to farmers.

Launched late last year the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme is available through participating banks and credit unions and provides loans to Brexit-impacted Irish businesses for working capital, investment and re-financing.

I am pleased that this loan scheme which replaces the SBCI Working Capital Scheme, comprising the Brexit Loan Scheme and SBCI COVID-19 Working Capital sub-schemes, is available to farmers and fishers as well as food businesses. To date, 620 loans to farmers to the value of €50.2m have been sanctioned.

The Land Mobility Service is a Macra na Feirme initiative supported by numerous stakeholders including my Department. The service provides options for landowners and opportunities for young farmers through advice on and facilitation of collaborative farming arrangements. It has been supported by my Department since 2014 and has seen well over 500 arrangements covering approximately 19,000 hectares being facilitated. My Department is engaged with the Land Mobility Service on future support, and I announced a 100% increase in the funding for 2022 to €100,000.

In addition, Teagasc agricultural education activities will continue to focus on equipping young farmers with the necessary knowledge to build successful careers.

Public Procurement Contracts

Questions (47)

Holly Cairns

Question:

47. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made on the Programme for Government commitment to introduce local food procurement policies for the public sector to encourage the availability of nutritious, locally sourced food in public sector areas such as schools, hospitals, government buildings, prisons and so on. [38551/22]

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Written answers

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has no direct role in the procurement of food for public sector settings such as schools, hospitals, government buildings, and prisons.

The Office of Government Procurement, which is under the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has responsibility for the National Public Procurement Policy Framework which sets the overarching policy framework for public procurement in Ireland.

The guidelines on Green Public Procurement, updated recently by the Environmental Protection Agency, take account of the Farm to Fork commitment on minimum mandatory criteria for sustainable food procurement to promote healthy and sustainable diets in schools and public institutions and reflects the Programme for Government commitment.

The new Guideline includes guidance on procurement for food and catering services for public bodies and institutions and, for example, includes criteria referring to "Low and zero emission delivery vehicles; Reduction of transport emissions through logistics and route planning.", which may assist in the public procurement of locally sourced food.

The Department will be engaging further with the Office of Government Procurement on ensuring effective implementation of the Programme for Government commitment while taking account of the EU rules on public procurement.

Tourism Promotion

Questions (48)

Alan Farrell

Question:

48. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the funding streams that are available to agri-food tourism projects under the Rural Innovation and Development Fund; if he intends to expand this fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37576/22]

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Written answers

I am committed to supporting the agri-food tourism industry. It marries our great food producers with our excellent tourism industry. The two sectors work very well together and compliment each other perfectly.

Under the 2022 Rural Innovation and Development Fund, funding of €299,176 has been made available to 19 agri-food tourism projects.

This initiative highlights the importance of agri-food tourism in rural areas as it allows food companies of all sizes to showcase their people, landscape, history and culture through agricultural produce, food and drink and local cuisine. It also provides opportunities for rural businesses, including farmers, producers and artisans, to develop their products and services, connect with the community and visitors, and improve skills and best practice.

The fund enables the Government to support these initiatives in the agri-food tourism sector and it builds on the progress already made in this area. There is a great geographical spread of projects this year which highlights the interest throughout the country. Our 10-year roadmap for the agriculture sector, Food Vision 2030, highlights the natural synergy between agri-food and local tourism and the projects aided by the fund are examples of this.

Fishing Industry

Questions (49)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

49. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts that he has personally made in the past six months to reinstate access for Irish fishermen to their traditional fishing grounds around Rockall; and the estimated financial loss to Irish fishermen over the past 18 months since the British Government blocked access to these grounds. [37844/22]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, Ireland has never made any claims to Rockall, nor has Ireland ever recognised British sovereignty claims over Rockall and accordingly has not recognised a 12 nautical mile territorial sea around it either. This remains the position of the Government.

The Government has been in contact with the relevant Scottish and UK authorities on Rockall over recent years and intensively since the beginning of last year.

Through this engagement, the Government is seeking to address the issues involved, reflecting the longstanding fisheries tradition in the area.

I continue to work closely with Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Coveney T.D. to consider all options for further engagement on the issues involved.

I received the report of the Seafood Task Force - Navigating Change last October. Irish vessels have traditionally fished for squid and haddock in the waters around Rockall and the impact of the loss of access to these waters was examined by the Task Force. The Task Force estimated that, in 2019, the total squid fishery was valued at around €6.6 million. The majority of squid is taken from the waters surrounding Rockall and this amounted to 1,071 tonnes, valued in excess of €5 million in 2019 and 371 tonnes valued at €1.6 million in 2020. The estimate by the Task Force of the catch of other stocks near Rockall is €1 million, which generally may be fished outside the waters around Rockall.

In May, I launched a 2022 Brexit Voluntary Temporary Fishing Vessel Tie-up Scheme, as recommended by the Seafood Sector Task Force. The scheme is an extension of the 2021 Tie-up scheme, with some modifications, and will help mitigate the impacts of quota cuts for 2022 arising from the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. For 2022, eligible vessels may tie up for two, non-sequential months but eligible Rockall squid vessels may tie up for two consecutive months, due to the short length and seasonality of this fishery.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (50)

Holly Cairns

Question:

50. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made on the Programme for Government commitment to support the small food producer, providing support for on-farm diversification enterprises and investment in local processing facilities, allowing farmers to sell their products into the local and wider domestic markets. [38550/22]

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Written answers

Both the Programme for Government and Food Vision 2030 acknowledge and underline the importance of our food producers, particularly our farmers and fishers and the importance of maintaining vibrant rural and coastal communities.

Support is available to small food producers and businesses in a variety of ways.

For initiatives such as the development of farm shops, niche products and ecotourism, and for market development, competitiveness and innovation, support is currently available through the LEADER Food Initiative funded by my Department and operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

LEADER is also a key element of the CAP Strategic Plan for 2023-2027, and the LEADER programme will continue to play a vital role in supporting small food producers.

Food and farmers' markets have experienced considerable growth in recent years. To support new and existing members of the food market network, Bord Bia has developed farmers market skills training workshops. The workshops provide practical solutions to the challenges most frequently faced by market sellers. A guide to selling through farmers markets, farm shops and box schemes in Ireland is also available.

My Department is engaging with other relevant Departments to explore further options to encourage and support local authorities to expand the number of farmers’ markets, farm shops and food emporiums, and to support the formation of community-owned markets in all towns, showcasing local food produce from local farmers, growers and food producers.

I have also requested Bord Bia to examine how other countries have been successful in developing premium markets for family farm produce, to learn from international best practice and to understand how both private and public supports, formal and informal, could support this ambition.

I am satisfied that the current measures in place will provide a sound basis for the future development of our agri-food sector including for local and innovative food production initiatives.

Animal Diseases

Questions (51)

Brendan Smith

Question:

51. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment levels will be increased to reflect present market levels for herds that are depopulated due to TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38354/22]

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Written answers

I am acutely aware of the emotional and financial burden placed on farm families following an outbreak of TB. I am committed to reducing TB rates as quickly as possible

The main compensation provision of the bovine TB programme is the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme which compensates eligible herd-owners up to the market value an individual animal would have attained on the open market at the time of its valuation under the scheme.

The valuations are carried out by independent valuers who are informed by 'Summary Market Prices' which reflect the most up to date market values for various categories sold on the open market.

In addition to the On Farm Market Valuation compensation package, Depopulation Grants may be paid to eligible herd-owners whose herds are depopulated (totally or partially). The grant is paid per animal removed in the depopulation measure and for those removed as reactors since the holding was restricted, on condition that the herd-owner agrees to the depopulation at the time specified by the Department.

As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group comprising representatives from my Department and the farming organisations was established 16 months ago to review the current financial model of the TB programme. Their remit includes a review of compensation schemes with respect to all types of bovine herds.

Recommendations from the Finance Working Group will be submitted to the TB Forum for consideration.

Compensation rates for TB reactor animals are capped under the provisions of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and SI 309/2016.

Herd owners in possession of very valuable animals should give careful consideration to mitigating their risks by taking out insurance, thereby enabling them to recover the full market value of such animals in the event of an outbreak of TB in their herd.

Forestry Sector

Questions (52)

Réada Cronin

Question:

52. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that forestry licence targets are not being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38071/22]

View answer

Written answers

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has committed to issuing 5,250 forestry licences this year, which is an increase of 30% on the number issued last year. This is an ambitious target but one which we are committed to meeting,

The Forestry Licensing Plan was published at the start of the year and sets out a range of forestry priorities set to run for the whole of 2022.

As regards progression towards our overall target at the end of quarter two 2022, up to 30th June, we have issued 2,449 licences, just short of the projected average of 2,635. It is, however, inevitable, in the context of the annual target figures, there will be fluctuations in licence output and across categories from week to week. I remain confident that by year end we will achieve our projected targets.

In order to achieve our objective, we have improved our systems, and given the number of files required to be referred for ecologistical assessment, we have recently recruited additional ecologists. There are 35 full-time equivalent ecologists working on forestry applications, with 21 dealing with afforestation.

In addition, to ensure efficient use of resources and similar to other planning authorities, files with outstanding further information requests back with the applicants over a set time will be removed from the licensing worklist. Reminders will always be sent to applicants to make them aware of the situation with their file.

We expect the weekly output to increase once the full impact of all these measures including the new ecologists becomes evident and it remains my commitment to meet the targets set out in the Licencing Plan.

In the interest of full transparency details of all licences issued by category are available on the weekly dashboard. This is published on the Departmental website and is made available to all interested parties as well as being submitted to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine each week.

United Nations

Questions (53)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

53. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the recent Food and Agriculture Organisation report on food security and nutrition and on its relationship with Ireland's current agricultural policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38604/22]

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Written answers

The 2022 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report underpins the stark reality on the escalating number of people worldwide who face hunger every day.

The latest figures show an increase of 150 million people in 2019 to a staggering level of 829 million people at the end of 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, conflict and the increasing cost of fuel, fertiliser and feeding-stuff are all impact negatively on the global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 target of Zero Hunger by 2030. This distressing level of hunger will inevitably get worse as a result of the illegal Russian war on Ukraine, its use of food as a weapon, the targeting of food facilities and the blockading of grain exports in the Black Sea.

The UN Food Systems Summit, in which I participated last year, affirmed that foods system hold the power to realise our shared vision for a better world without global hunger, poverty and inequality.

I am committed to pursuing a sustainable food systems approach both in relation both to Ireland’s own agri-food system, and also to my Department’s international development cooperation efforts.

Food Vision 2030 is the strategy for the sustainable development of the agri-food sector. Both the strategy and its recently published implementation plan, have missions and goals aligned with specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets.

Food Vision 2030 sets an ambition that Ireland will become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the next decade. The strategy was developed by a stakeholder committee, taking a food systems approach, and recognising the importance of the economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability.

Food Vision 2030 sets out four high-level Missions for the sector to work towards:

1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector

2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being

3. Food that is Safe, Nutritious And Appealing, Trusted And Valued at Home and Abroad

4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology And Talent

Each of these missions is well thought out, with ambitious goals rooted in a strongly practical approach to what needs to be achieved.

I am leading on the implementation of Food Vision which is already underway, with many of its actions commenced. I have chaired three 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.

I believe Food Vision provides a pathway for a dynamic, sustainable and innovative agri-food sector ready to adapt and to embrace change for a more sustainable future. I am confident that, with Food Vision 2030 as a strategic framework, Ireland’s agri-food sector will achieve its ambition to become a world leader in sustainable food systems.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (54)

Joe Carey

Question:

54. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that his Department is considering to address the cost-of-living crisis for farmers in the short-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38237/22]

View answer

Written answers

I am acutely aware of the challenges facing our farm families over the cost of inputs and the cost of doing business.

Over the past year significant price rises have occurred primarily in the energy sector with natural gas and oil prices reaching record highs. These price rises have significant implications across all sectors, including the agri-food sector. These price rises have been amplified by the impacts of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

Following a strong year for family farm Incomes in 2021, where average family farm income was up by 26% to over €34,000, 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 significant upward pressure apparent, but this is unlikely to cover the additional input costs for many farmers.

I meet with stakeholders on an ongoing basis to discuss the impact of the Ukraine crisis on Irish agriculture and supply chains.

Earlier this year, I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee and tasked it with the preparation of a response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs; and to developing contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.

I also established a Rapid Response Team within my Department, chaired by the Secretary General, to actively monitor the impacts on agri-food supply chains and to contribute to the whole of Government response.

Fertiliser merchants have indicated that there are adequate supplies of fertiliser in Ireland at present. However, there may be issues with availability of certain products at times and importers are active in securing alternative supply lines where necessary. Fertiliser affordability and availability is one of the biggest challenges facing our farmers at present.

There are sufficient supplies of animal feed at present and importers are actively competing on the global market to ensure that supply continues uninterrupted. Animal feed stocks and imports are being monitored on a regular basis by my Department.

Since the invasion of Ukraine started, I have announced a number of measures, valued at €91 million, to assist the agri-food sector including:

- €56 million Fodder Support Scheme

- €20 million in two packages for the pig sector,

- €12 million for the tillage sector and

- €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. €15.8 million of these supports, for the pig and horticulture sectors, are funded from the EU's exceptional support package to support the farmers most impacted by the crisis.

I and my Government colleagues are acutely aware of the challenges arising for farming households, businesses and the greater agri-food sector, and along with the measures targeted at the agriculture sector we have taken steps across the board at Government level to help address these. These include the increase in the living alone allowance, the package of electricity cost measures and the package for supporting fuel costs.

My Government colleagues the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, when publishing the government’s Summer Economic Statement 2022 last week, indicated that Budget 2023 will be calibrated to balance the need to provide further supports with the need to avoid adding to inflationary pressures.

I continue to engage with all our stakeholders and continue to work across Government 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.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (55)

Pauline Tully

Question:

55. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the further proposals that he intends to pursue to assist farmers with the high and rising input costs in feed, fertiliser and fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38537/22]

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Written answers

The current situation in relation to the cost and availability of farm inputs is a significant concern and one that I am acutely aware of.

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 my 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 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.

We continue 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.

Forestry Sector

Questions (56)

Colm Burke

Question:

56. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of ash dieback reconstitution and underplanting scheme applications received up to 30 June 2022; the number of applications awaiting a decision; the number of applications approved up to 30 June 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37344/22]

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Written answers

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 disease through the Reconstitution Scheme (Ash Dieback) (introduced in 2013) and more recently the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS – Ash dieback) introduced in July 2020.

Since the commencement of the Scheme and up to the 30th of June this year a total of 706 applications were received, 237 were approved and 469 remain on hand.

A key target of the Licensing Plan 2022 is to refocus on the delivery on approvals from the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) (Ash Dieback). However, the 2022 Plan does not include an annual target as many RUS applications are screened in for Appropriate Assessment and are referred to ecology. Of these, any that propose replacing the ash crop with conifer species currently require planning permission.

We have had successful engagement with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to this requirement for planning permission. From those discussions we expect that legislation to remove the requirement for planning permission in all cases under 10 hectares will be introduced after the summer recess.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (57)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

57. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the new acres agri-environmental scheme will be announced; the special conditions that will apply on designated land in terms of co-operation between farmers; if this scheme will apply to commonage land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38515/22]

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Written answers

A new agri-environmental scheme, to be known as the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (‘ACRES’), is currently with the EU Commission for approval as part of Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan. €1.5 billion in funding has also been committed to the scheme over the lifetime of the next CAP. Details of the draft scheme were announced on 21st June 2022 to facilitate preparatory work by advisors.

As announced, there will be two entry approaches in the proposed new scheme namely:

- An ACRES General approach, available nationally (outside of the high priority geographical area as defined for the ACRES Co-operation approach), which offers a range of measures (both targeted and general); and

- An ACRES Co-operation approach, available to farmers in defined high priority geographical areas. Eight areas in the country have been defined by a cross departmental working group as having particular environmental characteristics and farmers in those areas may engage in the new ACRES through cooperation project teams, which have appointed.

The Terms and Conditions for ACRES are currently being finalised and will cover both ACRES General and ACRES Co-Operation. A draft version of these Terms and Conditions will be available to farmers and advisers before they log on to draft a Farm Sustainability Plan, which forms part of the application.

ACRES will be open to all eligible farmers within the State for land they hold, including commonage. While most of the commonage land is within the ACRES Co-Operation approach, some will be in the ACRES General area.

Likewise, while much of the designated land in the State is in the Co-Operation zones, some areas of designated land are in the ACRES General area.

The new Co-Operation Project teams are currently engaging with local stakeholders in developing their Local Action Plans. The Co-Operation Project teams are also considering what Non-Productive Investments and Landscape/Co-Operation actions would be most appropriate to address the challenges in their zone – while no final Landscape/Co-operation action has yet been developed, some of them may involve co-operation between farmers.

It should be noted that approval for Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan is awaited from the EU Commission, so all of the proposals may be subject to change.

I am excited to see ACRES come to fruition as it will be a farmer-friendly scheme that will deliver for the environment and it will be an important income support for farm families.

Animal Welfare

Questions (58)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

58. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of equine welfare and urban horse projects funded by his Department each year since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38192/22]

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Written answers

Both I and the Department are fully committed to supporting sustainable, One Health, One Welfare initiatives in line with the Programme for Government. Working Together for Animal Welfare, Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, 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.

In this regard, my officials work with and support local authorities and NGOs in progressing urban horse projects, and there are currently projects at every stage, from the initial feasibility and planning stages to the operating stage around the country. I am please to say that an additional project based in Ballina has been added for 2022 through the work of Mayo County Council and officials from my Department.

The number of urban horse projects funded by my Department for the years in question are:

2016

9

2017

4

2018

8

2019

7

2020

5

2021

6

Agriculture Industry

Questions (59)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Question:

59. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department’s projections for chemical nitrogen use in 2022 compared to 2021 and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38242/22]

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Written answers

The Department collects data on fertiliser sales from manufacturers to retailers over the fertiliser year (October to September). The following table sets out chemical nitrogen fertiliser sales for quarters one and two of 2020, 2021 and 2022 for comparison purposes. Quarter three data for this year will not be available until August.

-

Tonnes N

1/10/19 – 30/3/20

726,258

1/10/20 - 30/3/21

903,013

1/10/21 – 30/3/22

787,275

While sales figures for 2022 are not complete, a reduction in sales reflects the impact fertiliser price has had on sales together with other interventions that supported farmers reduce their dependence on chemical fertiliser.

The Teagasc 2022 Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign which I launched in January provided a comprehensive information pack for farmers and their advisors on optimising the use of plant nutrients to address the challenge of maintaining their farm outputs in the face of rising fertiliser costs and reduced availability.

The factsheets prepared covered soil testing, lime application, nitrogen usage, organic manures, fertiliser spreading and many other topics that would have supported farmers to reduce their dependency on chemical fertilisers. It is a credible roadmap that is good the environemnt and good for the farmer's pocket.

Additionally, I introduced a Targeted Intervention Package worth over €12 million to support Irish farmers which identified three key pillars aimed at supporting Irish families arising both from events in Ukraine and wider global price volatility. The Package included a Multi-Species Sward Initiative and a Red Clover Silage Measure to promote environmentally sustainable methods of farming, thereby reducing nitrogen fertiliser usage, while maintaining forage yield.

My Department works closely with colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding water quality, and in particular over recent months on the development of Ireland's 5th Nitrates Action Programme. As part of this Nitrates Action Programme, a 10% reduction in the maximum chemical nitrogen allowance for grassland has been applied with effect from March of this year. In addition, under the Programme, to reflect farming practice it is no longer possible to assign a chemical fertiliser allowance to commonage land.

All of these factors have contributed to a reduction in chemical nitrogen use to date in 2022 and it is expected that this reduction will be maintained through to the end of the fertiliser year in October.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (60)

Pauline Tully

Question:

60. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that are planned to support farmers in meeting climate action sectoral targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38538/22]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will 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 22-30% 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. Regulation, public supports and incentives, in conjunction with private industry supports will all an important role.

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.

- 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 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.

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