Matt Carthy
Question:53. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation to beef sustainability measures in 2023. [11775/23]
View answerAgriculture Industry
Questions (53)
Written answers
The contribution of cattle rearing and finishing enterprises to the overall agri-food sector and to a balanced regional economy is greatly appreciated by my Department and the Government.
I am committed to the long-term sustainability of our beef and suckler sectors. I want to see the sector have a strong future for farmers as well as everyone in the industry. Our beef is in demand across the globe and we are committed to adding value to the sector for the benefit of our farm families.
Under the new CAP strategic plan (CSP), which is worth almost €10 billion to Irish agriculture over its lifespan, beef farmers will be able to join the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP). The Programme, which will run from 2023 to 2027, is designed to support farmers in improving the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd and to improve the genetic merit of the suckler herd. The scheme aims to build on the gains achieved through previous beef sustainability measures such as the Beef Data and Genomics Programme and the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme.
With a budget of €260 million to be drawn down over its duration, this programme is a recognition of the importance of suckler production to the Irish economy and will help in improving the economic and environmental sustainability of those enterprises. The budget of €260 million will be spread across the 5 year programme at approximately €52 million per year. Enhancing the carbon efficiency of suckler cows is critical to reducing future emissions arising from agricultural production. Payment rates of €150 for the first 10 cows and €120 for the remainder, up to a maximum of 100 per herd, will apply.
It is envisaged that farmers will be able to apply for the SCEP later this month and operational information, including programme details, will be announced in due course.
More generally, my Department provides a range of measures to support beef farmers under the CSP including, for example, the ACRES and Organics schemes. I will introduce a new exchequer funded scheme in 2023 focused on beef welfare measures to replace the welfare component of BEEP-S. This has an allocation of €28 million, while dairy beef has an allocation of €5 million.
I remain fully committed to supporting the beef sector and, in particular, the farming families who are integral to the environmental, economic and social sustainability of rural communities.
Agriculture Supports
Questions (54)
Brendan Griffin
Question:54. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his further plans to assist sheep farmers during the current difficulties they are experiencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11917/23]
View answerWritten answers
Both I and the Government are fully committed to maintaining a viable sheep sector as an integral element of a balanced regional economy. Sheep farmers are hugely committed to producing a world-class, safe and sustainable product and the Government recognises that.
Market prices are a commercial matter between suppliers and buyers and the Government has no role in determining commodity prices in the sheep sector. I do recognise the pressure that sheep farmers have been under as a result of downturn in the markets over the past number of months.
My Department provides significant support to the sector under the new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), both through a new targeted scheme for sheep farmers - the Sheep Improvement Scheme - and through the broad range of schemes in the CSP.
The new Sheep Improvement Scheme has over 19,000 applications submitted. The scheme replaces the previous Sheep Welfare Scheme but shares the same aim of improving animal health and welfare in the sector, with a 20% increase in the ewe payment rate - from €10 to €12 - compared to the previous scheme.
The CSP provides almost €10 billion in supports over the period to 2027 for farm families. Sheep farmers are eligible for several other schemes in addition to Sheep Improvement Scheme, including the ACRES and Organics schemes, which are particularly suited to sheep enterprises or mixed beef and sheep enterprises.
I have secured places for all 46,000 farmers in ACRES which I know will benefit to many sheep farmers.
Furthermore, support for early-stage producer organisations, which will be introduced later this year, will strengthen the position of sheep farmers in the supply chain.
At my request, the Food Vision Sheep Group met recently to discuss the sheep market situation. All the main stakeholders are represented on the Group and were invited to make submissions. I will carefully consider the Chair’s report on the outcome of the Group's deliberations and we continue to monitor the market situation in the sector.
While market returns have reduced from the record prices of recent years due to increased input costs, Teagasc forecasts suggest that 2023 family farm income for specialised sheep farms will be 2% down on 2022 at €19,500, due to the important role which direct payments play in contributing to sheep farm incomes.
However, I have now asked officials in my Department to examine what potential supports, if any, could be put in place to support our sheep farmers in light of the recent challenges. Budgets for 2023 have been set and are locked in place so any changes to this will require scoping out as well as diverting funds from previously agreed areas.
We have a sheep sector that is the envy of the world with our sheep farmers at the core of everything we do. I want to ensure there is a long-term and sustainable future for the sector.
Control of Dogs
Questions (55)
Alan Dillon
Question:55. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the legislation his Department is involved in regarding the control of dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11959/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware the Control of Dogs legislation is under the remit of the Department of Community and Rural Development (DCRD).
The Department is working with DCRD to co-ordinate efforts in this area across government. I was tasked by the then Taoiseach, now Tánaiste Micheál Martin to lead a cross-government review of legislation regarding dogs. Minister Heather Humphreys and I held a meeting on Monday 9th January and we requested officials to convene a working group on the control of dogs’ issue. The terms of reference of the group have been agreed and are published on my Department’s website.
This group has now held six meetings and will continue to meet regularly in the coming weeks.
The working group examined issues related to dog control and made recommendations for actions to address this problem. The report of the group has been submitted to Minister Humphreys and me. We are both considering it carefully. I will be bringing a Memorandum to Government shortly on this issue.
The group will continue to meet to coordinate action on these issues across departments and agencies.
Animal Diseases
Questions (56)
Pauline Tully
Question:56. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost associated with complying with new TB regulations; his intention as to how this cost be funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11933/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am committed to reducing the incidence rate of TB in the country. I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional pain associated with a TB breakdown and we are all working to eradicate TB as quickly as possible.
As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group comprising representatives from my Department and the farming organisations had been set up to review the current financial model of the TB programme.
The Financial Working Group has reached agreement on changes to the TB compensation schemes and the funding of these schemes under the TB programme as well as support as a transitional measure towards the implementation of Animal Health Law requirements for 2023.
It is important to note that the majority of animals traded through marts are already in compliance with the new animal health law test requirements. Furthermore, farmers may minimise or avoid any additional testing requirements through varying the timing of their annual herd test, in consultation with my Department.
In addition to previously published arrangements in relation to the introduction of Animal Health Law on 1st February 2023, I have, in support of farmers transitioning to this new arrangement, made provision for a once-off contribution of up to €70 to be provided to breeding herds in 2023 who find that they need to carry out necessary additional testing in respect of cows of any age or males over 36 months moved from one breeding herd to another breeding herd.
A breeding herd is defined as a herd with a birth registered in 2023.
Agriculture Industry
Questions (57)
Seán Canney
Question:57. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the proposed Wool Council; the terms of reference for this council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9695/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, one of the main recommendations of the Wool Review Report which was published in July 2022, was the establishment of an independent Wool Council led by industry. It is envisaged that the Council 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.
It would also be a forum where stakeholders would further examine and explore the potential uses for wool identified in the Wool Review Report. In support of the Wool Council my Department has committed to providing €30,000 in financial assistance towards the initial set-up costs.
In December 2022, a meeting of the stakeholders interested in forming a Wool Council took place. This group discussed their common aims as well as agreeing to establish an stakeholder led working group to take the next steps in formally establishing the Wool Council. Officials from my Department also attended this meeting to outline the criteria needed to draw down the seed funding of €30,000, which was announced in July 2022.
The next meeting of the Wool Council stakeholder group is set to take place in the coming weeks where it is understood that the draft terms of reference will be presented and nominations for Council Officers will be sought.
Once established, I hope that the Council will bring wool stakeholders across Ireland together to achieve more commercially and ultimately generate additional income for the primary producers.
Wool is a tremendous product - it is durable, versatile and sustainable. It is my ambition that the new Wool Council will help drive further value for wool to benefit our sheep farmers.
Food Promotion
Questions (58)
Alan Farrell
Question:58. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the recent trade mission to Germany, relating to Irish food exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10976/23]
View answerWritten answers
Germany is a key export destination for Ireland's high-quality food. It was our fifth-largest destination for agri-food exports in 2022, valued at in excess of €1 billion.
My colleague, Minister of State Pippa Hackett, led a trade mission to Germany from 12th to 15th February 2023. The visit began in Berlin, where the Minister attended a series of bilateral political meetings at the German Bundestag. These included meetings with the Chairman of the Food and Agriculture Committee, and with the Green Party's agriculture spokesperson, where sustainable food systems, current agriculture market challenges and land use policy were discussed. Minister Hackett also met with the Chair of the German Forestry Council to discuss forestry policy issues.
A key objective of this trade mission was to promote Irish organic agri-food exports in what is now Europe's biggest organic market. Minister Hackett participated in the BIOFACH trade fair in Nuremburg, the world’s largest organic trade fair, supporting the eight Irish organic food and drink manufacturers who were exhibiting at Bord Bia's BIOFACH pavilion.
The Minister used the opportunity to hold further meetings with a variety of key players in the German organic sector, including German and Bavarian State Government Ministers, retail customers and food service industry representatives.
The trade mission offered important insights, learnings and best practice from the German organic sector, which has grown significantly and successfully over recent years.
This is an exciting time for the Irish organic sector, with over 2,000 new participants joining the Organic Farming Scheme in 2023. Funding of €256 million will be available over the next five years under the CAP Strategic Plan, representing a five-fold increase on the amount available under the previous Rural Development Programme - further evidence of this Government's strong policy focus in this area.
I am confident that our organics sector will continue to exhibit strong growth despite wider current geo-political challenges, and that we are on target to reach our goal of 10% of Irish farmland under organic production by 2030. Trade promotion is an important element of the strategy to develop the sector, and my Department, in conjunction with Bord Bia, will continue to use all available opportunities to promote our organic sector.
Fishing Industry
Questions (59)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:59. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the efforts of the Government to secure a quota in bluefin tuna for the Irish fishing fleet from Ireland’s own EEZ. [8427/23]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland does not have a national quota for Bluefin Tuna. The available Bluefin Tuna quota is allocated each year to Member States based on relative stability as established in the late 1990s. At that time, Ireland did not have a track record of commercial fishing for Bluefin Tuna and, accordingly, did not receive a quota allocation.
A small Bluefin Tuna by-catch quota is available to Ireland, primarily for use in our important Northern Albacore Tuna fishery and Celtic Sea Herring fishery where there can be Bluefin Tuna by-catch.
In 2018, Ireland was successful, for the first time, in securing an agreement that allowed Ireland to set up a catch-tag-release fishery to contribute to the collection of scientific data for the blue fin tuna stock. A Catch-Tag-Release science-based fishery for authorised recreational angling vessels has been in place since 2019 and supports the collection of valuable data on the migratory patterns of Bluefin Tuna in Irish waters. This fishery is most beneficial to Ireland as it increases our knowledge of the behaviour and abundance of bluefin tuna in Northwestern waters while also providing a small but valuable tourism benefit to peripheral coastal communities.
A new Bluefin Tuna management plan was adopted at November’s International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) meeting, which will see an increase for all contracting parties with a share of the Bluefin Tuna Total Allowable Catch, including the EU.
I wish to assure the Deputy that Ireland made clear to EU Member States and the European Commission at the EU internal meetings during the course of the ICCAT meeting that Ireland considers that there is a case for an allocation of part of the increase in the Bluefin Tuna quota to be made available to Ireland for a targeted fishery. The case is supported by the data collected in the Catch-Tag-Release science-based fishery for authorised recreational angling vessels.
I therefore requested the opening of discussions at EU level to progress our case and I made a formal statement to this effect at December Agrifish Council. Opening up this issue is difficult as other Member States are resistant to any discussion on amending relative stability for this stock, but I believe that there is a strong case for Ireland, given the abundance of Bluefin Tuna in our waters and I will continue to pursue it at every opportunity.
Departmental Policies
Questions (60)
Emer Higgins
Question:60. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline all the measures his Department and the Government have put in place to protect the business dealings of farmers, growers, fishers and food producers against unfair practices by buyers of their product [11796/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Unfair Trading Practices Enforcement Authority was established in my Department in April 2021 when I signed a Statutory Instrument introducing the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Regulations which transposed the EU Directive on Unfair Trading Practices into Irish law.
The Enforcement Authority is assigned with all the necessary legal powers including to investigate complaints from suppliers of agricultural and food products and to initiate legal proceedings for breaches of the unfair trading practices defined in the UTP Regulations.
It is open to all suppliers of agricultural and food producers, including primary producers, to engage with the Enforcement Authority on any concerns they may have in relation to unfair trading practices. Information on the Regulations and how to contact the Enforcement Authority can be found on the Authority's website at www.utp.gov.ie. The website includes an online portal where suppliers can submit complaints in confidence to the Authority.
Since establishment the Enforcement Authority has taken a proactive approach to enforcement that includes awareness-raising campaigns, meetings with stakeholders throughout the supply chain, as well as targeted engagement with the largest buyers of agri-food products in the State to ensure compliance with the Regulations.
As part of that engagement the Enforcement Authority commissioned market research surveys last year to establish baseline awareness and knowledge of the protections available to suppliers under the Regulations and to hear about any UTP-related issues that suppliers encounter in business dealings with their buyers. The survey findings from over 3,000 respondents highlighted the need to reinforce the message that protection is available for farmers, along with other small business suppliers. The findings also provided a strong evidence base for the Enforcement Authority to more optimally target its resources in the areas of most concern from a supplier perspective, and informed the content of two separate high profile multi-media communication campaigns on the Regulations that the Authority commissioned in the third and fourth quarters of 2022.
In regard to future arrangements for the enforcement of UTPs in Ireland, the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill 2022 is currently progressing through the legislative process. This Bill when enacted will see the establishment of a new independent statutory body which will be known as An Rialálaí Agraibhia (the Agri-Food Regulator).
The enabling provisions in the Bill will provide for the transfer of responsibility of UTP enforcement functions to the remit of the regulator, which I expect to occur at the time of commencement of the Act. The Bill will also grant the regulator additional powers to promote fairness and transparency in the agricultural and food supply chain.
The new regulator will significantly strengthen the position of our farmers, fishers, and other smaller suppliers in the agricultural and food supply chain and I look forward to the timely passage of the Bill through the legislative process and establishment of the Regulator's office as soon as possible.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (61)
Cathal Crowe
Question:61. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if dribble bars can be included in the new TAMS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11442/23]
View answerWritten answers
Through TAMS 3, I believe we have delivered a hugely exciting scheme that will deliver for farmers, for the entire agri-food sector and the wider rural economy over the next number of years. I have assigned €370m for TAMS between 2023 and 2027 with a strong focus on supporting this as well as subsequent generation of farmers
TAMS 3 is a hugely exciting scheme with approximately 100 new investment items available to farm families compared to TAMS 2. There are now in the region of 300 investment items in TAMS 3.
The practice of Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) is an important environmentally sustainable technology that will facilitate Ireland meeting its environmental commitments through reductions in ammonia and other reactive nitrogen emissions from soil.
The practice leads to greater nutrient recovery from slurries and indirectly improved nutrient use efficiency, as well as a reduced dependency on chemical fertilisers. I am currently reviewing the emissions factor of the dribble bar versus the trailing shoe. I have not definitively ruled out the dribble bar and I will be led by the science in making this decision.
To date under TAMS II, 70% of expenditure under LESS was grant aided for dribble bar machines. While each of the LESS options meet nitrate requirements, it is important that the number of trailing shoe units on farms is maximised to help contribute to the agreed 25% reduction in Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions and 5% ammonia reduction from the agriculture sector by 2030.
To meet the emissions reductions target for both GHGs and ammonia it is necessary for 90% of the slurry produced to be spread using LESS technology by 2030. It is assumed in these targets that 50% of the slurry will be applied using trailing shoe technology and 50% by trailing hose (dribble bar). In 2020, twice as much slurry was being spread using trailing shoe as opposed to trailing hose (dribble bar), however, with the much greater number of trailing hose (dribble bar) machines having already been grant-aided, this balance is at significant risk of being reversed.
The reduction of emission during slurry spreading is a crucial element in meeting the agricultural emissions reduction targets.
Low Emissions Slurry Spreading (LESS) equipment will continue to have its own standalone investment ceiling and an enhanced grant-rate of 60% compared to a lower rate of 40% in TAMS II in respect of investments which will more than offsets the potential higher cost of the trailing shoe compared to the trailing hose (dribble bar).
Official Engagements
Questions (62)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:62. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the agenda for the upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council to be held in Brussels on 20 March 2023. [11710/23]
View answerWritten answers
I will attend the Agri-Fish Council in Brussels on the 20 March. The Agenda for the Council is not finalised at this point and other items for discussion may yet be added. The provisional agenda sets out the main items to be discussed as follows:
With regard to fisheries items the Commission will be invited to provide information on
(1) the Communication on the Common Fisheries Policy today and tomorrow: A Fisheries and Oceans Pact towards sustainable, science-based, innovative and inclusive fisheries management;
(2) the Report on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products;
(3) the Communication on an EU Action Plan: Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries and
(4) the Communication on the Energy Transition of the EU Fisheries and Aquaculture sector. The presentations will be followed by a round table discussion where Ministers will be invited to share their views.
The main agriculture items are
The market situation following the invasion of Ukraine and the Trade-related agricultural issues, where the Commission will provide information to Council. Following the above two presentations, I along with my Ministerial counterparts will participate in a Ministerial debate.
Finally, under any other business, (1) the Swedish Presidency will provide information on the agricultural and forestry aspects of the Regulation on nature restoration; (2) the Commission will provide information on the Report from the European Pigmeat Reflection Group and (3) the Communication on the Revision of the EU Pollinators Initiative - A new deal for pollinators.
The Presidency will invite (4) the Latvian delegation supported by the Lithuanian and Polish delegations to provide information to Council on the future of the EU-Morocco SFPA protocol.
The final Agri-Fish Council agenda will be agreed nearer the time.
Fishing Industry
Questions (63)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:63. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Norway is currently allowed to fish 74,000 tonnes of blue whiting in Irish waters, whereas Irish fishermen can only catch 48,000 tonnes. [11115/23]
View answerWritten answers
Norwegian vessels - or fishing vessels of any non-EU country - may not fish in EU waters, including Irish waters, unless there is an agreement in place allowing them to do so. There is currently no such agreement in place for 2023 between the EU and Norway.
The EU engages in annual consultations with Norway in relation to shared fish stocks in the North Sea and the exchange of fishing opportunities. This exchange relates mainly to Norway's transfer of Arctic Cod to the EU in exchange for other stocks. Blue Whiting is the main currency used by the EU to pay for Arctic Cod and Ireland's primary concern is to limit the level of Blue Whiting, an important pelagic stock, in exchanges from which we receive little benefit.
For 2021 for the first time, and in 2022, the EU granted access to Norway to fish some of its Blue Whiting quota in EU waters of ICES Areas 6 and 7 south of 56 degrees 30 minutes and east of 12 degrees West. This access was accepted by Ireland as an exceptional measure and linked to the significant reduction in the Blue Whiting quota transferred to Norway both years which has been a priority for me.
The EU-Norway negotiations in relation to 2023 fishing opportunities began on 9 November 2022 and are currently ongoing. Ireland's position is to keep the Blue Whiting transfer to Norway to a low level and to limit the level of access to Irish waters, particularly the "inner zone" of our Exclusive Economic Zone (east of 12 degrees West).
I am engaged with industry representatives on this issue and have met them regularly to discuss this issue during the course of the negotiations.
I am also actively engaged with the EU Fisheries Commissioner, Virginjus Sinkevicius, on this matter, and met him most recently on 12 January to set out Ireland’s priorities so that the Commission, as the lead negotiators on behalf of the EU, understand fully our position.
Agriculture Supports
Questions (64)
Michael McNamara
Question:64. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that is being made by his Department to directly support the cost of shearing sheep and to present wool in optimum condition in order to facilitate further processing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11782/23]
View answerWritten answers
Both I and the Government are fully committed to maintaining a viable sheep sector as an integral element of a balanced regional economy. Sheep farmers are hugely committed to producing a world-class, safe and sustainable product and the Government recognises that.
With regard to specific supports for wool production, I can confirm that I have allocated funding for the establishment of a stakeholder forum to develop and promote the industry.
An independent review of the Irish wool market was published in July 2022. It contained multiple findings and recommendations including potential funding streams, market opportunities for wool and identified areas for further research and development.
One of the main recommendations concerned the establishment of an industry-led Wool Council which would develop and promote Irish wool both domestically and internationally and bring together stakeholders to foster collaboration, innovation and scaling activities in the wool sector. In support of this, I have made a funding commitment of €30,000 towards the initial set-up costs of setting up an independent Wool Council.
The first meeting of parties, including farm bodies, wool merchants and industry representatives, interested in forming the Wool Council took place on 15th December 2022. The funding committed will be available for drawdown once the Wool Council is established.
Wool is a tremendous product. It is sustainable, durable and versatile. I hope that the Wool Council will help plot a path to help drive further added value for wool.
Veterinary Services
Questions (65)
Matt Carthy
Question:65. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagements he has had with his Ministerial colleagues regarding increased places for those intending to study veterinary medicine. [11776/23]
View answerWritten answers
Currently, University College Dublin is the only third-level institution in Ireland offering veterinary medicine education.
Late last year, the Higher Education Authority which is an agency under the remit of my colleague, Minister Simon Harris and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) issued a request for expressions of interest for higher educational institutions who were interested in building capacity in veterinary medicine, among other disciplines. Some institutions were subsequently asked to submit more detailed proposals for further consideration.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) recently announced the appointment of an Expert Advisory Panel to assist it in reviewing opportunities for new programmes in Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine. The HEA is due to report back to Minster Harris the end of this month.
The demand for the services of veterinary practitioners across our society has been increasing and most especially in the companion animal area. This is a trend that is also seen across Europe. The number of Irish graduates from the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine has not been able to expand to match this increased demand in Ireland. Notwithstanding this, the Veterinary Council of Ireland has reported that the numbers of veterinary practitioners on the veterinary register is currently at an all-time high – in excess of 3,300.
I am aware of the numbers of Irish student travelling to other universities in Europe for veterinary education. I am also aware of concerns being raised about the availability of veterinary practitioners to provide services to the farming sectors across the country and difficulties in the filling of positions in certain areas. I believe it is important that, as a developed country, we offer students a place to study domestically.
My colleague, Minister Harris will ultimately conclude on the best course of action following receipt of the report from the HEA. I will continue to engage with Minister Harris as proposals on the new veterinary school advance.
Ireland has produced some of the finest veterinary practitioners anywhere in the world and we have a reputation of being truly world-class in this space.
Agriculture Supports
Questions (66)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:66. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports that have been put in place to help farm families to deal with the cost-inflation challenges stemming from Russia’s war in Ukraine. [11496/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am acutely aware of the cost and inflation challenges facing our farm families as a result of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. Over the past year or more, 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. In recent months these high natural gas and oil prices have reduced somewhat but are still significantly higher compared to 2021 prices.
Following a strong year for family farm Incomes in 2021, where average family farm income was up by 26% to over €34,000, Teagasc estimate that Family Farm Incomes in 2022 was mixed across systems. Dairy farms achieved significantly higher incomes, with a more moderate increase for tillage farms. Incomes on cattle farms, sheep farms and pig farms are estimated to have been lower in 2022.
Significantly higher production costs were a feature across all sectors in 2022, with higher fertiliser, feed and fuel prices leading to an increase in agriculture input costs and these are likely to continue in 2023. The current market outlook for output prices is uncertain but with some downward pressure apparent.
In the year since the invasion of Ukraine, I have announced a number of specific measures valued at €91 million to assist the agri-food sector, including an incentive for farmers to grow additional fodder, and specific supports for the pig, tillage & horticulture sectors. These targeted measures helped Irish farmers at a time of escalating costs.
To help all families, individuals and businesses deal with the rising cost of living, the Government announced a package of once-off measures worth €4.1bn as part of the overall €11bn Budget 2023. Measures of particular assistance to the agri-food sector included: the continuation of the reduction of excise duty on agricultural diesel to nil; the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme and the Ukraine Enterprise Crisis Scheme, which will provide important support for farmers and food businesses with their energy bills; and the delivery of new loan schemes.
In Budget 2023, I announced the highest-ever level of funding for my Department, a 13% increase overall, and I will continue to deliver the appropriate level of support, including working with my colleagues on business supports for farmers, fishers and food & drink businesses.
In addition to supporting farm families dealing with the cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Budget 2023 also lays the groundwork for strategic supports for the sector through the new €10 billion CAP Strategic Plan (CSP).
There are enormous challenges facing farm families, food businesses and coastal communities at present and I am working to support them in any way I can. We are living in uncertain times, but we need our farm families and fishers producing safe, sustainable, and high-quality food more than ever. I will continue to back them in doing that.
Animal Welfare
Questions (67)
Thomas Gould
Question:67. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions taken to protect horses in Cork city this year. [11825/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department continues to have an important role in support of equine welfare, in the context of its overall responsibilities for animal welfare and in line with its strong history of supporting the welfare of animals. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 enables my Department to regulate and support animal welfare through concrete, tangible measures.
The Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
My Department has addressed and resolved a number of animal welfare issues in recent years in both Cork City and County, working closely with An Garda Síochána and authorised officers from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and local authority officials. This joined up approach continues this year to tackle equine welfare in Cork.
In relation to the control of horses in Cork City, the Control of Horses Act 1996 provides powers to local authorities, enabling them to control stray and wandering horses in their areas. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for each Local Authority, and they have powers under the act to appoint authorised officers within their area.
Efforts to reduce the number of stray horses are paying off. Provision figures show that 374 horses were seized nationally in 2022, down significantly from a peak of 4,923 in 2014.
Figures provided by Cork City Council for the same period show a reduction in horse seizures from 176 in 2014 to 16 in 2022.
Agriculture Industry
Questions (68)
Alan Dillon
Question:68. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made in the establishment of the Wool Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11958/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, one of the main recommendations of the Wool Review Report which was published in July 2022, was the establishment of an independent Wool Council led by industry. It is envisaged that the Council 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.
It would also be a forum where stakeholders would further examine and explore the potential uses for wool identified in the Wool Review Report. In support of the Wool Council my Department has committed to providing €30,000 in financial assistance towards the initial set-up costs.
In December 2022, a meeting of the stakeholders interested in forming a Wool Council took place. This group discussed their common aims as well as agreeing to establish an stakeholder led working group to take the next steps in formally establishing the Wool Council. Officials from my Department also attended this meeting to outline the criteria needed to draw down the seed funding of €30,000, which was announced in July 2022.
The next meeting of the Wool Council stakeholder group is set to take place in the coming weeks where it is understood that the draft terms of reference will be presented and nominations for Council Officers will be sought.
It is my view, that the establishment of the Council is a vital next step which will lead to new opportunities and greater returns for this natural sustainable product.
Wool is a tremendous product - it is durable, versatile and sustainable. It is my ambition that the new Wool Council will help drive further value for wool to benefit our sheep farmers.
Food Industry
Questions (69)
Bernard Durkan
Question:69. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which good husbandry, production methods and hygienic requirements continue to be applied in respect of all food exports from this country and equally so in respect of imports; if he continues to be satisfied that all such provisions are being met in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11925/23]
View answerWritten answers
The European Single Market is based on the concept of a single set of rules applying to the production of food, so that food placed on the European Market, be that within a Member State, traded between Member States, imported into the European Union, or exported from the European Union, meets the husbandry, production, and hygienic requirements necessary to protect food safety, animal and plant health, and animal welfare standards, within the European Union.
To ensure consistency in application of requirements rules are laid down in a series of European Regulations, delegated and implementing acts. European regulations apply directly in Member States. They place legal responsibilities on business operators that apply from the date of implementation laid down in the regulation.
They also confer legal responsibilities on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to carry official controls on all stages of production, processing, and distribution of food, to ensure food placed on the market in Ireland, traded to other Member States or exported to non-EU countries meets EU standards. DAFM fulfils these legal responsibilities under contract and oversight from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Measures are in place to deal with non-compliance where they are detected, including penalties and sanctions.
Rules relating to the importation of live animals and plants, as well as food of plant and animal origin, into the EU, are laid down in European Regulation 2017/625. The purpose of these rules is to ensure that live animals, plants, and products of animal or plant origin meet the same husbandry, production method and hygienic requirements as apply to business operators operating within the EU.
To ensure live animals, plants, and products of animal or plant origin, being imported into the EU, meet EU requirements, such consignments must undergo checks at the border control post at the first point of arrival in the EU.
To ensure compliance with these requirements in Ireland, DAFM operates four border control posts at Dublin Airport, at Dublin Port, at Rosslare Port and Shannon Airport. At these BCPs, consignments undergo documentary, identity, and physical inspections to confirm they are in compliance with EU legislation. Consignments found not to comply with these requirements are rejected and are either destroyed or re-exported to the country of origin, in compliance with rules laid down in Regulation 625.
In 2022, DAFM carried out a total of just over 95,000 import controls across the four BCPs with just under 90% carried at Dublin Port. Reflecting the fact that most of the consignments came from GB, a country very familiar with EU standards, the overall levels of non-compliance were very low at just over 1%.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (70)
James O'Connor
Question:70. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications from the Cork East constituency that were accepted into the ACRES scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11968/23]
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The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme, or ACRES, is the central agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. The Government has committed €1.5 billion to ACRES - the largest amount ever committed to an agri-environment scheme.
As the Deputy may be aware, Tranche 1 of the Scheme, which opened for applications last October, was significantly oversubscribed, with over 46,000 applications received for the 30,000 places allocated to be filled under Tranche 1. I was pleased to announce last week the acceptance of all valid applications received for Tranche 1 into the Scheme.
While it is not possible to provide data specifically for the Cork East constituency, I note that, on foot of the decision to accept all valid applications, approval letters have issued to over 3,700 successful applicants who hold Cork Business IDs. I refer to Business IDs as this encompasses individual herd numbers, registered farm partnership and companies registered with my Department.
As I mentioned last week when announcing my decision that all valid applications be accepted into Scheme, farmers have shown their desire to enhance the environmental sustainability of their enterprises through their enthusiasm for the CAP Strategic Plan’s flagship environmental programme. This willingness to contribute to the achievement of a range of climate, environmental and biodiversity objectives, through participation in ACRES, is welcome and encouraging.
The next step in the process is the issue of formal approval letters to the successful applicants which is happening this week. An approval summary, which will show where actions have been mapped on the participant’s farm, will then be posted to ACRES participants by the end of March, with a copy of the Farmland Plant Identification Guide, a booklet produced by my Department to help farmers identify the indicator species on their land to be used in the scoring process.
The effective and timely operation of the scheme will require intensive and focused effort from all concerned including from my Department, from advisors, from Co-operation Project Teams and from farmers.
Climate Change Policy
Questions (71)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:71. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the Environmental Protection Agency report (details supplied) noting the need to reduce national herd by 30% to meet climate targets; if his Department has undertaken a study to determine the impact these proposals would have on the livelihoods of farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8430/23]
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The report referred to by the Deputy refers to an EPA-funded research project that models a number of ways in which Ireland could meet net-zero emissions by 2050 which is in 27 years’ time.
It was carried out by leading soil, carbon and agri-ecologists under the auspices of the EPA Research Programme. It indicates the scale of the challenge in addressing the climate crisis. It is important to stress, however, that this scientific research, and the different scenarios modelled within it are not Government policy.
From a Government perspective Land Use is being addressed by the Land Use Review. It comprises two main phases.
Phase I provides an evidence base – to determine the environmental, ecological and economic characteristics of land types across Ireland. This part of the land use review is completed and will be published shortly by Government.
Phase 1 includes a number of technical recommendations relate to monitoring, mapping, and evidence-gathering activities (and how we improve our knowledge base).
Phase II of the Land Use Review will go on to consider the evidence gathered in Phase I, and will consider the actual policies and actions for future land-use in Ireland – in the context of the Government’s wider economic, social and climate objectives.
Work is on-going to finalise the format and deliverables for Phase II, but it is clear that it will need to look at modelling of land use change but only when we have reduced some of the uncertainty with regard to current land use identified as part of Phase I.
Organic Farming
Questions (72)
Brian Leddin
Question:72. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of farmers to be accepted into the organic farming scheme in 2023; the expected increase in agricultural land under organic production as a result of these new entrants to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11887/23]
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I am very encouraged by the strong uptake in the Organic Farming Scheme over the last two years especially in the most recent tranche from December 2022 which saw 3,423 eligible applications received. Of these, 2,131 are new to the Organic Farming Scheme and the remaining 1,292 applications representing those whose contracts finished on 31st December 2022.
There are now approximately 200,000 hectares under organic production, which represents 4% of the utilisable agricultural area. This includes farmers who commenced farming organically this year under the most recent intake to the scheme. These applications have been approved and conditional confirmation letters have issued to all applicants in February 2023. This brings us another step closer to our ambitious target and provides certainty to those who have elected to convert to organic farming.
The target set out in the Programme for Government is to achieve a rate of 7.5% of the total land area farmed organically by 2027 while the revised target set in the Climate Action plan is to achieve 10% organic land area by 2030. Under the Climate Action Plan, our main priority on organics is to increase the area of organic production to approximately 445,000 hectares by end of decade.
Under the new CSP, for the years 2023-2027, I have secured a budget of €256m for the organic sector with the aim of building upon this growth and developing the sector further. This allocation has facilitated enhanced payment rates, including the introduction of a participation payment for farmers, to support the maintenance and conversion to Organic Farming.
I am confident the support measures we have put in place will assist in achieving our targets and encourage many more farmers to make the transition to organic farming. The sky is the limit for organics here in Ireland and working with Minister of Hackett we will continue to support the sustainable growth of the sector in the years ahead.