Written Answers Nos. 61-80
63. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has plans to increase the funding for social farming, given the benefits that are felt by people with psychosocial issues, people with disabilities, young people not in employment, education or training, people recovering from substance misuse and refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25307/23]
View answer68. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has plans to develop social farming in order that an employment programme can be offered as well as a pre-employment programme, so that participants can receive payment, as well as the farmer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25308/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 68 together.
Social farming is the practice of offering farming and horticultural participation in a farming environment as a choice to people who avail of a range of therapeutic day support services.
From visiting social faming hosts and having engaged with those who run the service nationally and locally, I have seen first-hand the huge benefit the service provides. I fully recognise and support the significance of social farming and the many benefits it brings for rural communities and for disadvantaged groups who are availing of a range of health service supports.
The range of services with whom Social Farming Ireland is working is growing and reaches across the many sectors where vulnerable people are in need of support.
The farm is not a specialised treatment farm, rather it remains a typical working farm where people in need of support can build relationships and take part in day-to-day farm activities in a non-clinical environment. The purpose of Social Farming is to support people in living ordinary lives, interacting with their community and developing their potential.
The development of occupational and life skills from undertaking farm-based activities often benefit participants and can lead towards gainful employment.
Last year, we provided funding of €400,000 to Leitrim Integrated Development Company towards the development of the national Social Farming Network (Social Farming Ireland).
The funding provided by my Department to Leitrim Integrated Development Company is allocated towards the cost of administrative overheads including staffing of the National Office and the Regional Development Officers, training of farmers and other stakeholders and early stage social farming placements.
In addition, my Department provided funding for the development of the following social farming model projects:
• Leitrim Integrated Development Company CLG – for the provision of a Social Farming Model Project where social farming is mainstreamed as an option for people accessing supports across a range of sectors and services and where placements are fully commissioned.
• Down Syndrome Irl (Cork Branch) – to provide opportunities for participation in a purpose-built farm, the Field of Dreams with horticulture and animal care elements which will bring long lasting wellness benefits to participants.
• South Kerry Development Partnership – for a Social Farming Model Project which will increase participant and host farmers engagement so that the social farming opportunity is available to more people in Kerry and to offer choice to people with disabilities to engage with farm families in meeting their personal life choices.
• IRD Duhallow – for a Social Farming model project which will promote rehabilitation, social inclusion, training and improved quality of life in a non-clinical setting using agriculture including plants and animals for people across a wide spectrum of disability.
A similar level of funding will be provided by my Department this year for the extension of all of the above contracts. The level of support for social farming for 2024 will be considered in the context of the annual estimates process which will shortly commence. It is also my understanding that there are additional streams of funding available from other agencies for social farming placements.
In relation to the question regarding an employment programme being offered as well as a pre-employment programme, so that participants can receive payment. It is my view that Social Farming can be a stepping stone to further employment or training for many participants, not necessarily in the agriculture sector.
Progression for many can also be supported through the wage subsidy scheme and some have used this pathway to employment following a capacity building social farming placement. Quite a number of participants have progressed to employment. not only in the agriculture sector, but in many other sectors of employment.
I will continue to back and support this hugely important service.
64. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the governance and oversight frameworks that reside with his Department in instances of the governing body of greyhound racing or coursing having failed to act on evidence of breaches of animal welfare legislation or to exclude trainers convicted of animal welfare breaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24629/23]
View answerRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
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. This Act provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.
I am satisfied that enforcement measures under the Act remain effective. The Act has proven to be a robust piece of legislation and since the Act came into operation in March 2014, 138 individuals have been successfully prosecuted by my Department. Further prosecutions under the Act have been successfully taken by An Garda Síochána and local authorities.
The Department continues to enforce the law in this important area as does An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which have authorised officers under the Act.
RCÉ has informed this Department that its remit is derived from the power vested in it through the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 and Greyhound Racing Act 2019. Where matters of concern have been brought to its attention it has exercised its powers pursuant to these legislative provisions. Since 2000, it has issued 21 Exclusion Orders and has additionally revoked Trainers Licences where the circumstances warranted such action.
65. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to reform the mandate of Coillte, in line with the recommendations of a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25302/23]
View answerI welcome the opportunity to discuss Coillte's mandate and how it relates to the implementation of Government policy both as a commercial semi-state organisation and of course on our land-use and environmental priorities.
It is essential that its mandate continue to be flexible, multi-purpose and responsive to the issues of the day as part of a long-term land-use strategy. In my role as Minister, I am one of two shareholding Ministers in Coillte along with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
As a company, Coillte's role has evolved over time to reflect the company's important role in addressing the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the forestry sector and our rural economy. It was established under the 1988 Forestry Act to become custodian and manager of the national forest estate. The focus at that time was to put the estate in the charge of a company which would realise its potential and primarily support wood production. These are still important functions but much has changed since then both in terms of public policy but also in terms of Coillte's own activities and remit.
The current Programme for Government includes commitments to embark on an ambitious programme of afforestation on state-owned lands and to ensure that Coillte’s remit supports the delivery of climate change commitments and the protection of biodiversity. These commitments were outlined to Coillte in the last Shareholder Letter of Expectation issued by both myself and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in June last year. In it the company were specifically tasked with delivering actions which would help to achieve the goals outlined in the Climate Action Plan and the National Biodiversity Strategy.
I have published this letter since so that all interested stakeholders are aware of its contents and so that the mandate outlined is transparent to all. We further asked that Coillte continue to provide safe and sustainable public access to the nation's forest and that they invest in the creation of further recreational areas in support of local communities and tourism. The letter also highlighted the need for the company to be viable and to supply wood products to grow the bio-economy.
Coillte have responded to this in its new Strategic Vision. In this Vision, Coillte has indicated that its afforestation ambition is to enable the creation of 100,000 hectares of new forests by 2050 providing a carbon sink of 18 million tonnes of CO2. Coillte will also manage the existing forest estate to capture an additional 10 million tonnes of CO2 by 2050. It intends to increase the area of forest being managed primarily for nature from 20% to 50% in the long term, by enhancing and restoring biodiversity and planting new forests, half of which will be native woodlands.
Coillte now has a division, Coillte Nature, solely devoted to managing the delivery of nature and biodiversity initiatives within Coillte forests. These initiatives include planting native woodlands, restoring important biodiversity areas, regenerating urban forests for the benefit of people and nature, and rehabilitating ecosystem services on sensitive lands, such as peatlands. Today, 90,000 hectares of the forest estate is managed primarily for biodiversity.
I reiterate that the current legislation governing the mandate of Coillte together with Government policy along with Coillte’s own Strategy Vision, ensures that climate action and the protection and enhancement of biodiversity are integral to their role and operation. Our collective focus now should be on the achievement of these targets and I will continue to work intensively with Coillte on its achievement.
66. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if additional funding will be allocated to the national liming programme, given the level of applications received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25112/23]
View answerIt was encouraging to see the phenominal level of interest in the National Liming Programme with almost 41,000 applications received by the closing date of 20 April 2023. This is a clear indication of the importance farmers now place on optimising soil health and improving their environmental sustainability.
It was a show of real environmental strength by farmers who are keen to take steps to reduce their chemical fertiliser use. This is a move that is good for the environment and good for farmers' pockets.
As part of a range of measures to meet our emissions targets, the 2023 Climate Action Plan sets a target to reduce chemical nitrogen use. Where soil samples indicate a requirement, the Liming Programme will incentivise the use of lime to increase soil pH which research has shown can release nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in the soil, thereby reducing the requirement for chemical fertilisers.
With applications seeking support in respect of over 4.5m tonnes of lime, the average tonnage sought per applicant under the Programme is just over 111 tonnes.
To put this in perspective, the total annual tonnage of lime spread nationally in recent years, including on those farms ineligible under the Liming Programme, has ranged from 0.7m tonnes in 2017 to 1.4 million tonnes in 2022.
All applicants that meet the eligibility requirements set down in the Terms and Conditions for the Liming Programme 2023 will be accepted into the Programme, however, as provided for in the Terms and Conditions, the approved quantities of ground limestone will have to reflect the Programme's available budget.
My officials are currently assessing the number of applicants that meet the eligibility criteria as set down in the Terms and Conditions for the Liming Programme. The outcome of these checks will influence the tonnage that will be approved per eligible applicant.
It is anticipated that approval letters will issue in the coming weeks, indicating the quantity of lime that each eligible applicant can potentially submit for aid.
My message is clear to all successful applicants: no farmer will not get lime through this exciting new scheme.
67. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 112 of 20 April 2023, if he will provide an update on the work of the Wool Council; if the €30,000 in departmental funding promised to support the Wool Council has been drawn down to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25054/23]
View answerI thank the Deputy for her ongoing interest in this matter and as you are aware, the Irish Grown Wool Council was formally launched on 5th April 2023.
The Wool Council is an independent stakeholder-led Council comprising of stakeholders from across the wool sector including primary producers, farming organisations and industry representatives from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
I understand that a Wool Research and Innovation Hub has also been established with representatives from all across the island and is being led by the Circular Bio-economy Cluster Southwest at Munster Technological University (MTU). The aim of the Wool Hub is to support the Irish Grown Wool Council in conducting research and innovation to deliver products to market and aid commercialisation ultimately adding value right across the supply chain from farm to end product.
The Department does not hold a seat on the independent Irish Grown Wool Council however, my officials will continue to support and work closely with the Council going forward. Officials in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have also outlined the criteria required to draw down the pledged €30,000 towards the initial set up costs. To date no requests for payments have been received by the Department.
I believe that the launch of both the Irish Grown Wool Council and the Wool Research and Innovation Hub is a very positive step for the Wool Industry in Ireland.
Together, I am sure that they will use the findings of the wool review as a roadmap to develop pathways towards maximising the true potential of Irish wool into the future and to help drive increased returns for this great and sustainable product.
69. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way his Department is promoting the planting of trees; the progress that has been made to date in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25215/23]
View answerI am committed to the promotion of tree planting, including in relation to the protection and enhancement of biodiversity within our forests, for climate change, wood production, economic development, employment and quality of life.
As Deputies may be aware, extensive work has been undertaken to date in the development of a new future for forestry in Ireland. Ireland has now for the first time a Shared National Vision for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland until 2050 which was informed by a series of comprehensive consultation and engagements. This public consultation brought forestry to the fore in terms of awareness. This Vision in turn has informed the development of our new draft Forestry Strategy for Ireland.
The new Forestry Programme will be the means by which we implement this Forest Strategy to 2030. The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 replaces the previous Forestry Programme which expired at the end of 2022.
Funding of €1.3 billion has been secured for this ambitious Forestry Programme 2023-2027. Subject to State Aid approval from the European Commission, this will support the largest, most farmer-friendly investment in forestry in the history of the State.
The funding encompasses a wide range of attractive grant and premiums that makes forestry an excellent land use option to complement existing farming enterprises, whilst also planting trees in a manner to provide lasting benefits.
We intend to convey this positive message through a concerted communications campaign across various media. As part of this approach we will work closely with Teagasc so that they may convey this message through their interactions with farmers and forest owners. Our aim will be to increase awareness levels and promote the multiple benefits associated with forestry in relation to our new Programme. In addition I intend to shortly launch a call for proposals from interestedt parties to promote all aspects of forestry to a wide audience. This will include promoting forests to society at large and highlighting their role in the provision of eco-system services and bioenergy and their role in terms of communities, children and general wellness. It will allow for promoting schemes under the new Forestry Programme, with a particular focus on farmers, existing forest owners and other land owners. We will be asking that the benefits of productive forestry and the benefits of increased use of timber products in construction and design be advanced and that sustainable forest management amongst forest owners be promoted.
As the European Commission is currently reviewing our formal State Aid notification for the Forestry Programme 2023-2027, it would be premature to finalise our promotions strategy at this time. However, I would like to assure you that a refreshed and inclusive promotion campaign will be undertaken across a variety of fora to promote all aspects of forestry, including increased afforestation and biodiversity once this and the associated environmental process have concluded.
70. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way the price of carbon fixed in the public expenditure code is factored into the design of agricultural policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25195/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is likely to be aware, all policies designed in the Department are aligned with the principles as set out in the “Public Spending Code”.
The code sets out a broad range of parameters for policy design and appraisal techniques including, as the Deputy will be aware, values for the shadow price of carbon using an abatement cost model to value Green House Gas (GHG) emissions.
This is done by converting the values of a ‘basket of seven’ GHGs into carbon dioxide equivalents and applying shadow carbon price estimates. The shadow price is based on the likely cost to Ireland in removing these emissions from the atmosphere.
I am informed that the Climate Change unit within the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform are in the process of updating the Shadow Price of Carbon Schedule, as signaled in their paper on “Valuing GHGs”. My Department officials will continue to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform as required on the new schedule as that work progresses. Within the existing code, emissions from agriculture are classified as within the ‘non-Emissions Trading Sector (non-ETS) with a shadow price of €52/tonne as of 2023 rising to €100 per tonne by 2030, rising to €265 per tonne by 2050 under the current schedule. These estimates may increase once the updated schedule is completed. OECD work shows that the shadow price of carbon will increase with the pace of decarbonisation and given our climate ambitions, it’s likely that the shadow price for carbon from Irish agriculture will increase as we strive towards our climate goals.
The Shadow Price of Carbon is considered as part of my Department’s evaluation programmes and has been incorporated into recent Spending Review papers on the Beef Data Genomics Programme and Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme, utilising the Shadow Price of Carbon to monetise the expected carbon savings from the programmes over time. These papers use the Shadow Price of Carbon to estimate the value to be generated from more sustainable practices and policies to highlight the benefits that will accumulate and accrue over time, and these are the key building blocks in ensuring a more sustainable future for the sector.
My Department is committed enabling the sector to meet our climate goals as part of the sector’s shared ambition for a world class sustainable food system as set out in Food Vision 2030. My Department continues to engage on this issue.
71. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made on sourcing new markets for Irish food produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25318/23]
View answerWe are a world famous food-producing nation. We are globally focussed and are committed to safe, sustainable and nutritious food for customers across the world.
Food Vision 2030 includes several actions to develop overseas market opportunities, and envisages a sustainable increase in the value of Irish agri-food exports to €21 billion by 2030, driven by increased value rather than volume. This will, of course, benefit both our primary producers and our agri-food industry.
Huge progress has been made in the last decade in expanding the reach of Irish agri-food exports to consumers worldwide. Selling into international markets is challenging but developing and diversifying new markets continues to be a top priority for my Department, in cooperation with Bord Bia.
An important component of the Government's strategy to develop and diversify markets is high-level ministerial trade missions. I have just returned from China, and further trade missions are planned later in the year to Africa and South East Asia.
Also essential to the development of new markets outside the EU is the technical work that frequently takes place behind the scenes. Technical negotiations with importing countries, including inward visits and inspection by their competent authorities, are typically a lengthy and multifaceted process, often taking several years before bilateral agreements are concluded and trade can commence.
For example, we hosted inward meat inspection missions from Thailand, Malaysia and the United States in 2022 and earlier this year we hosted an inspection team from Mexico. Looking forward, advance planning is now under way on scheduling a visit by Vietnamese auditors in the second half of the year.
Specifically in terms of meat exports, notable successes were achieved the past year in terms of market access for Irish meat, including: pork and pork products to Malaysia; beef, pigmeat and sheepmeat to Cambodia; and poultrymeat and chicken feet to Namibia. We have also enhanced existing market access to markets including Singapore and the Philippines.
Perhaps most notably, in January our beef access to China was restored following significant efforts, and the first beef shipment arrived in Shanghai on 23rd April.
While our role is to open up international markets in consultation with stakeholders, it is for industry - with the support of my officials and Bord Bia’s marketing expertise - to develop the potential opportunities available to it in those markets. The time frame for reaping the benefits is always a commercial decision for export enterprises.
72. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the review of land use currently under way; the key findings of the work to date; and the implications for future policy development. [25194/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government (PfG): 'Our Shared Future' committed to a land use review to ensure that optimal land use options inform all relevant government decisions. This land use review is also outlined in the Climate Action Plan 2021.
The review was designed to be carried out in two distinct phases. Phase 1 was an evidential review and the Phase 1 report, which was published on 10th March 2023, has collated evidence about a wide range of land use issues, including about stakeholders, existing policy and environmental, social and economic characteristics of land use.
Included in the report are 10 documents and 19 individual recommendations across three distinct themes; Mapping capability, Design and application of evidence and Monitoring. Mapping and Design each have 9 unique recommendations with Mapping having a single recommendation.
In relation to Monitoring, the recommendation is to develop a national monitoring network for soils to increase knowledge of soil health indicators. While work is already taking place in this area more can be done in future to help our understanding of the role soils and soil management practices have in various land use scenarios.
In terms of Mapping, the report recommends that Ireland continues to build on advances in land mapping input data, technology and knowledge, and focuses on three areas: land-use mapping, soil mapping and ecosystem mapping.
It is clear that to make informed decisions with regard to land use we must have a strong evidence base on which to base policy design.
With regard to Design and application of evidence the report recommends the development of indicators across a number of areas to give policymakers and decision makers insight into the systems that are impacted by land use.
Phase 2 of the land use review will build on the outcomes of Phase 1 and will, in consultation with all stakeholders and land users, go on to consider the policies, measures, and actions which will need to be taken — in the context of the Government’s wider economic, social and climate objectives.
As identified in Phase 1 there are key recommendations that must be built on to allow a coherent land use policy to be designed and implemented within the State.
Phase 2 will be jointly led by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (or the Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform) and myself. Currently officials from our respective Departments are engaging on the details of Phase 2, including timelines and specific deliverables.
Phase 2 will also support the development of a LULUCF target which is due to be delivered by the end of this year.
I am acutely aware of the sensitives related to this and I will continue to engage closely with farmers and their representatives on the matter.
73. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts being made to put supports in place for forgotten farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24655/23]
View answerI have long supported the cohort of farmers known as the forgotten farmers and I have committed to assisting them who find themselves, in many cases, in this situation through no fault of their own.
We have developed a preliminary outline of a proposal to provide support to the forgotten farmer group. There are a number of issues to be addressed, for example, the funding required and consistency with the public expenditure, before the details of the eligibility requirements and benefits to successful applicants under a scheme can be finalised.
Details of the scheme will be made available as soon as this process has been completed. We will step this out as soon as possible as this cohort of farmers, who meet the criteria, deserve to be supported and I will do everything in my power to deliver for them.
74. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if financial supports or grants will be made available to farmers and landowners to safely manage roadside ash trees which would support farmers to hire relevant professionals to safely fell these trees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24159/23]
View answerThe care and management of trees adjacent to roads is the responsibility of the landowner on whose land the roadside trees are growing. It is advisable that landowners make themselves aware of the full legal extent of their land ownership and of any obligations arising from this.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine does not offer funding for the removal of roadside trees, but has recently published guidance on the subject of roadside trees (“A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees”) and this can be accessed at the Department website.
Regarding Ash Dieback, a total of €9.2 million has been paid out to date on the reconstitution schemes that my Department has offered to those forest owners whose plantations have been affected by the disease. These schemes include supports to restore forests planted under the afforestation scheme which had suffered from, or which were associated with plants affected by disease.L
Last month, an Interim Reconstitution Scheme for Ash Dieback via general de minimis was launched which contains a doubling of site clearance rates, increased grant rates and an improved premium regime. The interim scheme includes the following enhanced features:
• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate, increased from €1,000 to €2,000.
• Enhanced grant rates as per draft Forestry programme 2023-2027
• Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years.
• In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.
A similar scheme for the reconstitution of ash dieback will be launched as part of the new forestry programme.
75. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to address the low rates of afforestation. [25027/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the new and ambitious €1.3bn Forestry Programme 2023-2027 will replace the previous Programme which expired at the end of 2022.
The new Programme will benefit farmers, rural communities and the wider climate and environment for years to come.
Subject to State Aid approval from the European Commission and the completion of the ongoing Strategic Environmental Assessment/Appropriate Assessment (SEA/AA) process, this will support the largest, most farmer-friendly investment in forestry in the history of the State.
This funding includes proposed attractive grant and premiums that will support landowners to plant trees in a manner to providing lasting benefits for many key areas including climate change, biodiversity, wood production, employment alongside enhancing societal benefits.
This funding also provides unprecedented incentives to encourage the planting of trees that can provide a valuable addition to farm incomes whilst also helping towards meeting our planting, climate and biodiversity objectives. The comprehensive package of proposed measures included in the Programme will see an increase in forestry premiums of between 46% and 66% and farmers will also receive 20 years of premium payments, compared to 15 years of premium payments for non-farmer, The Government’s preferred model of afforestation is for farmers to plant trees on their land, which is why the new Forestry Programme was designed in a manner that will pay farmers 33% more in annual premiums than non- farmers, and this is in addition to their single farm payment.
My Department also proposes to introduce a new Native Tree Area scheme under the Forestry Programme to incentivise small-scale tree planting. This is aimed at re-engaging farmers with afforestation. As the House may be aware, an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 has removed the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare and to remove any barriers for such small-scale planting.
Agroforestry was first introduced to Ireland’s forestry support schemes in 2015 and the measure mainly targeted silvopastoral systems which combine forestry and pasture, including grazing and the growing of fodder. It is proposed to expand this in the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 with pilot schemes for silvoarable and forest gardening systems and an increase in the number of premiums offered.
We will introduce a programme as soon as is allowable under State Aid rules, to incentivise farmers in particular to re-engage with forestry.
I am confident that the attractive increases in grants and premiums will help enable this land-use change over other competing land uses for farmers.
76. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department will launch a voluntary reduction scheme for dairy farmers; how the scheme will be structured in a way which ensures that reductions in breeding ruminants on a participating farm are not offset by increases in breeding ruminant numbers on that farm or on other farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25217/23]
View answerI established the Food Vision 2030 Dairy Group last year to advance the actions for the dairy sector identified in the Food Vision 2030 strategy, taking account of the requirement for the sector to contribute to achieving the targets set for agriculture emissions in the Climate Act process.
The first priority for the Group was to chart a pathway to achieving the legally binding target of a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 2030, equivalent to a reduction of 5.75 MT of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The Dairy Group submitted its final report in October 2022, which has been published on my Department’s website. The report identified measures which could contribute to reducing emissions. The publication was timely as it then served to inform the Climate Action Plan 2023 which was launched in December 2022.
A key recommendation in the Food Vision 2030 Dairy Report was to explore and take forward a voluntary reduction scheme for the dairy herd. My officials are currently working to explore this proposal further and there will be significant engagement with stakeholders over the coming months on the parameters of any scheme.
Our dairy farmers and the entire sector is already very sustainable but I want to make us even more so. I want to build a strong and sustainable future for our dairy farmers and the subsequent generations of dairy farmers. I will work collectively and collaboratively with dairy farmers and their representatives in charting a pathway forward.
77. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following a controversy (details supplied), the steps that are being taken to reform Coillte's approach to meeting Ireland's afforestation targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25306/23]
View answerIt is Government policy that Coillte, as the State forestry company, should play a leading role in addressing our climate change and biodiversity challenges as a core part of its remit. This is set out clearly in the Shareholder Letter of Expectation which I issued to the company last June, together with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform as the other shareholding Minister.
Coillte has responded to this in their new Forestry Strategic Vision. This document aims to deliver multiple benefits from its forests and bring more focus to climate action, setting ambitious new targets on biodiversity and recreation, while continuing to deliver for the forest and wood products industry.
In its Vision, Coillte has indicated that their afforestation ambition is to enable the creation of 100,000 hectares of new forests by 2050, half of which will be native woodlands, providing a carbon sink of 18m tonnes of CO2. Coillte will also manage its existing forest estate to capture an additional 10m tonnes of CO2 by 2050. Its intend to increase the area of its forest estate being managed primarily for nature from 20% to 50% in the long term by enhancing and restoring biodiversity and planting new forests.
Coillte indicated that it would be an enabler of new afforestation in three main ways. Firstly, through the Coillte Nature initiative for planting native woodlands and, secondly, through its involvement in afforestation funds focussed on commercial forestry. The third way is through its partnership with other public bodies to afforest public lands.
In terms of the Irish Strategic Forestry Fund, Coillte is providing certain services to the Fund including the acquisition and management of new forestry land. To out it in context, Coillte has advised that the total area of new forests planted through the fund will deliver roughly 3.5% of the 100,000 hectares of new forests Coillte has committed to enabling by 2050.
Of the State’s overall national target of 450,000 hectares of new forests by 2050, the fund will plant less than 1% of that total. While this type of partnership is not our preferred option, it is one of a number of models the company will deploy in contributing to the State's overall forestry targets.In addition to the three options above, I have also asked Coillte to reflect on how specifically it can work more closely with the farmers and local communities to encourage a greater level of afforestation. Other viable options will of course can also be considered if they can make a meaningful contribution to Coillte's ambitious afforestation targets.
In addition my Department is continuing to engage with the EU Commission on the extent to which the State may directly fund Coillte’s afforestation efforts, through grant and premium payments under the new Forestry Programme.
I am satisfied that Coillte's mandate is fit for purpose and that its Strategic Vision is fully aligned with Government policy. It's essential now that we work intensively to ensure that these ambitious climate and biodiversity targets are met.
78. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied that agri-food production in this country continues to be recognised as a central part of the economy, with major job creation in both urban and rural settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25203/23]
View answerFarming and the agri-food sector is a hugely important aspect our economy but also our society. It is a sector that drives economic growth in every rural parish in every county of the country.
Agri-food sector is Ireland’s largest indigenous exporting sector, playing a vital role in Ireland’s economy. The sector accounts for almost 7% of Gross National Income (GNI) and 9% of exports in value terms. Irish food and drink was exported to over 180 markets worldwide last year, with approximately 90% of Irish beef, sheepmeat and dairy produce exported annually. In 2022, exports of agri-food products were a record €18.8 billion, up by over €3.2 billion, or 21%, from the 2021 figure of €15.6 billion.
In 2022, the sector employed around 165,000 people, representing 6.5% of total employment in the country, but an even greater proportion in rural and coastal areas. This consisted of 95,500 people working in primary agriculture and 5,700 in forestry and fishing. Manufacture of food products and beverages employed 48,800 and 9,000 people respectively, while there were 6,000 people employed in wood and wood processing.Beyond direct employment, the sector plays a key role in the wider economy, with estimates for output multipliers ranging from around 2.5 for beef, 2.0 for dairy and food processing and 1.75 for seafood. This compares with an average output multiplier of 1.4 for the rest of the economy and 1.2 for foreign owned firms. Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s shared strategy for the agri-food sector, has the potential to transform our agriculture, food, forestry and marine sectors, with environmental, economic and social sustainability at its core. Food Vision aims for Ireland to be “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”. Food Vision’s goals are grouped around four high-level Missions for the sector:
1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being3. Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology & Talent
The Government recognises the vital role that agri-food plays in Ireland. This is evident in the strong support provided to farmers, fishers and the sector generally, and in the level of importance that the Government places on achieving our economic, environmental and social sustainability goals.
79. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking in response to a report by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (details supplied), with the conclusion that, "for many length classes [of the small-scale fleet], particularly the lower ones, this salary was at a very low level and the current economic crises have exerted major cost pressures and squeezed this income significantly". [25026/23]
View answerI requested the production of the Economic Analysis of the Irish Small-Scale Fleet to provide much needed data to assess the situation facing the inshore sector. It highlighted the impact which issues such as increased fuel costs had on profitability and the incomes of fishers. It has been a welcome signal that since the analysis was completed for this report, fuel prices have continued to fall to levels similar to those experienced prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Nevertheless, I recognise the need for ongoing support and development of the Inshore sector and the approach I have taken is multifaceted to ensure both short term supports are in place and longer term development strategies facilitate a self-sustaining sector which continues its significant contribution to coastal communities.
As the Deputy is aware, in April I announced the reopening of the Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme which will see a further €3.5 million in direct supports made available for Inshore fishers. Payments under this scheme, which range from €2,700 to €4,000 per eligible fisher, are accompanied by training modules which will help fishers to adapt their operations to reduce costs, improve product quality and reach new customers.
This scheme is part of a wider package of supports and development strategies which includes investments in marketing and promotion of inshore stocks, development of marine infrastructure and investing in all elements of the seafood supply chain, providing new and growing avenues for inshore catch.
Beyond this, my Department’s European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Seafood Development Programme is commencing its implementation. The €258 million programme will provide a wide range of supports for fishers and the wider development of the seafood sector. Inshore representatives form part of the monitoring committee for this programme and will have opportunity to input into the development of schemes to support the sector. This programme will also provide for ongoing support of the Producer Organisations which will help the Inshore sector to develop further.
In addition to financial supports, I am continuing to engage directly with inshore fisheries representatives, including the National Inshore Fisheries Forum. This group brought forward the first industry-led Strategy for the sector in 2019 and is now implementing this with support from my Department, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and other agencies. I am advised that in contribution to this strategy, BIM plans to carry out an Inshore Census this year. This will gather more detailed data on the Irish small-scale fleet and ensure that there is a suitable evidence base to inform development strategies for this important part of Ireland’s fishing fleet.
80. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on delays to the basic income support scheme, and areas of natural constraints scheme; the action his Department is taking to ensure payments are made on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25110/23]
View answerThe new CAP 2023-2027 has commenced this year and payments will issue in the fourth quarter of the year across a very broad range of schemes. With this being the first year of the new CAP Strategic Plan, a whole range of new schemes is being introduced along with substantial changes to existing schemes, over a relatively short time period.
We are fully committed to making payments to farmers under the various schemes at the earliest date possible and to the maximum number of farmers possible. I know first hand the critical importance of these payments to all farmers. This commitment to farmers is evidenced in the very high payment rates achieved across all schemes over the last number of years in both EU and Exchequer funded schemes.
Almost €1.8bn will be paid to farmers across the country for 2023 schemes. At EU level, Ireland ranks amongst the most efficient Member States in getting payments to farmers expediently and in line with the legal requirements of relevant attendant EU Regulation, and will continue to do so.
Again, I am committed to ensuring the quickest possible issuing of payments to all our farmers.
