Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
417. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if donkeys are worth anything when it comes to stocking densities and fulfilling requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46053/23]
View answerUnder Ireland's CAP schemes, stocking requirements can be used by applicants to fulfil eligibility criteria in the following areas.
• Active Farmer Check
• Eco-Scheme
• Organic Farming Scheme
• Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC)
Donkeys are eligible for inclusion in stocking requirement calculations and are valued at 0.80 livestock unit. In addition, they must be owned by the applicant and hold a valid passport with the donkey registered in the name of the applicant. Donkeys must also be maintained on the applicant's holding. It is important to note that no more than 50% of the stocking density requirement can be fulfilled using donkeys. Applicants are therefore required to use other livestock to fulfil the other 50% requirement.
Detailed information on stocking requirements can be found on the Department's website in the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) terms and conditions.
