Thursday, 26 Oct 2023

Written Answers Nos. 232-251

Greyhound Industry

Questions (232)

Holly Cairns

Question:

232. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide information from the Rásaíocht Con Éireann traceability system on how many of the non-coursing greyhound pups born in 2022 were registered on the RCETS in 2023; how many of the non-coursing greyhound pups born in 2022 were registered on RCETS in 2023; how many of the non-coursing greyhound pups born in 2022 were entered on RCETS in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47111/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Rásaíocht 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 question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.

Greyhound Industry

Questions (233)

Holly Cairns

Question:

233. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide information from the Rásaíocht Con Éireann traceability system on the number of non-coursing greyhounds born in each of the years 2020, 2021, and 2022, who were raced in Ireland; the number of non-coursing greyhounds born in the years 2017 to 2023, inclusive, listed under the category ‘export international’ and the country of destination, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47112/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Rásaíocht 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 question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.

Greyhound Industry

Questions (234)

Holly Cairns

Question:

234. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown, by month and track, of all greyhound drug testing since 2015, as a percentage of starters at each track, in tabular form. [47113/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Rásaíocht 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 question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.

Greyhound Industry

Questions (235)

Holly Cairns

Question:

235. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhounds registered on the race management system annually between 1 December 2022 and 30 September 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47114/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Rásaíocht 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 question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.

Greyhound Industry

Questions (236)

Holly Cairns

Question:

236. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of racing greyhounds microchipped annually between 1 December 2020 and 30 September 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47115/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is the competent authority with regard to the maintenance of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book. The ICC has been responsible for the Irish Greyhound Stud Book since 1923 and this was further underpinned by the enactment of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958.

Microdog ID is a limited liability company that is a subsidiary of the ICC but is approved by my Department as a microchipping database and operates independently from the ICC.

The ICC has informed my Department that the number of racing greyhounds microchipped annually between 1 December 2020 and 30 September 2023 are as outlined below in tabular form.

Year	Number
Month of December 2020	978
2021	11651
2022	11599
1st January to 30th September 2023	6597

Agriculture Supports

Questions (237)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

237. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address the issues outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47125/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am a strong supporter of assisting the next generation take over the farm when the time is right to do so. While farming can be challenging and comes with significant demands, it is also one of the most rewarding ways of life. It's essential that the sector has young and enthusiastic people coming through to further develop it. 

Food Vision 2030, the stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector, highlights the challenge of generational renewal and proposes a number of actions, including maintaining the current strong level of current support, the promotion of succession planning & land mobility, and increased education and promotion of the diversity of careers in the agri-food sector.  

The challenge of generational renewal is widely recognised both at national and EU level, with the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) citing it as one of its nine key objectives.  Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 reaffirms our commitment to generational renewal and measures include:

• A Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers’ Scheme, dedicating some 3% of the direct payments ceiling (€1.186 billion) to help young farmers establish their farming businesses. This allocation is approximately €35m per annum and will pay over €175 per hectare, subject to a maximum of 50 hectares over five years.

• A National Reserve 2023-2027 will provide support to two priority categories of Young Farmer and New Farmer. Successful applicants will receive an allocation of payment entitlements on land for which they hold no payment entitlements, and/or a top-up to the value of existing entitlements below the national average entitlement value to bring them up to the national average value, subject to an overall allocation of 50 entitlements per successful applicant.

• A higher grant rate of 60% for qualified young farmers under the TAMS capital investment measure will also continue to be available.

• A Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme provides financial support to encourage farmers to form partnerships with young, trained farmers.

• A Succession Planning Advice Grant to encourage and support farmers aged 60 years and over to seek succession planning advice.  

Nationally, there are strong taxation measures to facilitate succession and assist land mobility. For succession, Agricultural Relief is the key measure, which along with 100% Stamp Duty Relief and Consanguinity Stamp Duty Relief, provided support of some €274 million in 2022. In addition, 100% Stock Relief for Young Trained Farmers was worth €1.7 million. The Succession Farm Partnership Scheme provides for a €25,000 tax credit over five years to further assist the transfer of land within a partnership structure, to encourage earlier transfer of family farms, and was worth €1 million.  

For land mobility, long-term leasing income tax relief  supports access to land for young farmers and provides a route to retirement for older farmers. Latest figures show 12,490 beneficiaries worth €34.3 million.  

I was delighted to secure the extension of Consanguinity Relief for a further five years in Budget 2024. In addition, it was announced in the Budget that the aggregate lifetime amount of relief that a young farmer can benefit from three other taxation measures (Young-Trained Farmers Stamp Duty Relief, Young-Trained Farmers Stock Relief and the Succession Farm Partnerships Tax Credit) is being increased from €70,000 to €100,000.  

On access to finance, the €500 million Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS), will provide long term investment by SMEs, including farmers, fishers and food businesses, and will assist young farmers in particular. One of the unique characteristics of the Scheme is that loans up to €500,000 are unsecured, making it a viable source of finance for young and new entrant farmers, especially the cohort who do not have high levels of security.  

In addition, Teagasc’s agricultural education activities equips our young farmers with the knowledge to build successful careers.  

Supporting young farmers remains a key priority for me and the Government and I will continue to actively engage with all stakeholders on this issue.

Invasive Species Policy

Questions (238, 244)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

238. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if logs being imported from Scotland are 100% free of bark; if he will outline any risk regarding the spruce bark beetle (ips typographus); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47130/23]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

244. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to ban log imports following the confirmation of the spruce bark beetle (ips typographus) in Scotland; if so, the date he will bring in the ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47172/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 244 together.

I am aware of the recent finding of the bark beetle Ips typographus in Scotland.  This is a bark beetle species that is of concern to us as it has the potential to cause damage to forests in Ireland.   

In November 2019, my Department launched a major plant health initiative in its ‘Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2020-2025’ which outlines the importance of plant health biosecurity for Ireland and helps ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the risks to plant health in Ireland, and their role and responsibilities to reduce those risks. 

My Department has invested heavily in EU ‘Border Control Posts’ facilities in recent years to allow import control inspections of plants and plant products from non-EU countries.

My Department has substantially increased staff resources in plant health and has established a dedicated Pest Risk Analysis Unit.

Coniferous roundwood with bark attached is both imported into and exported out of Ireland.  Importers in Ireland do not import roundwood from areas known to be affected by bark beetles.  The only area where imports into Ireland of coniferous roundwood (with bark attached) originate from is a Pest Free Area in the West of Scotland.  The Pest Free Area of Scotland has been in place since 2005 and is maintained by a series of bark beetle surveys, within and outside the PFA and by other inspection protocols carried out by Scottish Authorities, confirming the absence of certain bark beetles within the boundary of the PFA.

Imports of roundwood logs from the Pest Free area (PFA) are subject to an inspection regime.  All imports from the PFA must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate.  Conifer logs with bark attached are not permitted to be imported into Ireland from outside this PFA.

All forest sector stakeholders have a responsibility for forest health and should ensure they engage in best practice to help prevent the introduction of pests and diseases on plants and plant products.

Departmental Staff

Questions (239)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

239. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the projected cost of running the forestry division of his Department for the remainder of 2023, and for the full year in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47131/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

There are currently 179 staff across the three forestry divisions in my Department. Based on the midpoint salary figure for each grade, the estimated total annual salary cost is €9,960,951.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (240)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

240. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost to his Department of outsourced ecology services for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47140/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The spend by my Department to date in 2023 for Ecology services provided by outsourced ecologists is €1,615,650.78.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) requires services to be provided in a range of ecology disciplines which may be needed at short notice. Access to contract ecologists in this manner helps avoid any future buildup of forestry applications waiting to be processed.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (241)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

241. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the projected cost of outsourced ecology services to his Department for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47141/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The total cost of services provided by external ecologists for 2024 will be  determined by the number of new applications received under the new Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027.  While interest in the afforestation scheme in particular does appear strong it is difficult to provide an accurate cost for ecology service this early on in the Forestry Programme.  The recent tender for ‘Ecology services to assist in implementing the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Forestry Programme’ did provide a figure of €9m over four years.

Forestry Sector

Questions (242)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

242. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the weekly average number of forestry licence issued across all sections by his Department to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47142/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

To date in 2023, my Department has issued 2,623 forestry licences of all types. This can be broken down to 1,215 Coillte felling licences and 1,213 private felling licences. We have also issued 890 roads licences and 27 afforestation licences. In terms of a weekly average that equates to 69 forestry licences of all types per week.

Animal Culls

Questions (243)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

243. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of badgers caught in body restraint devices on an annual basis since the introduction of their use, on a county basis; and if he will also provide a breakdown of the number of animals that died in the device, dispatched by way of licensed firearm and by the administration of IV barbiturates by a veterinary inspector. [47165/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The requested data is held on a number of systems within my Department as well as manual records held in various offices.

I will endeavour to provide a complete answer to the Deputy's question once all records have been collated.

Question No. 244 answered with Question No. 238.

Agriculture Supports

Questions (245)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

245. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to monitor the needs of the agrifood producing sector, with particular reference to the need to ensure the viability of the family farm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47212/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department constantly monitors the performance and health of Ireland's agri-food sector. Along with regularly meeting with representatives of the sector, holding formal consultations and attending public forums, my Department monitors developments in farm incomes, viability, structures, key commodities, food industry trends and other key economic indicators.

My Department prepares and publishes an Annual Review and Outlook (ARO), which provides up-to-date information and statistical analysis from a variety of sources, to give a detailed overview of Ireland’s agri-food sector and an outlook for the future. A summary of key indicators of farm incomes and structures, as well as trade, labour and other economic data can also be found in the agriculture and trade fact sheets available on my Department's website.

The preliminary results of the Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) for 2022, released in June 2023, looks at the viability of family farms.  A farm is defined as 'viable' if family labour is remunerated at greater than or equal to the minimum wage and there is sufficient income to provide an additional five per cent return on non-land based assets employed on the farm.  A farm may also be classified as 'sustainable' based on off-farm employment. 

According to the NFS, 43% of farms were classified 'viable' in 2022; this is the highest proportion of viable farms in the last decade. A further 30% of farms were considered 'sustainable' due to the presence of an off-farm income source; while the remaining 27% of farms were classified as 'vulnerable'.

According to the NFS, in 81% of farm households either the farmer and/or spouse has an off-farm job and/or other income from pension or social assistance. Therefore, just 19% of farm households rely fully on their farm as their only source of income. In addition, in 2022 Irish farms received an average of €18,274 in direct payments to assist in the viability of their farms.

Food Vision 2030, our shared stakeholder-led strategy for agri-food, developed for the sector by the sector, has the potential to transform our agriculture, food, forestry and marine sectors. With environmental, economic and social sustainability at its core, Food Vision 2030 aims for Ireland to be “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”. It places farmers at the centre of the strategy, prioritising the improvement of competitiveness and productivity of primary producers, increasing the creation of value and distributing it fairly, and introducing greater diversification in production systems and incomes.

Food Industry

Questions (246)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

246. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which new markets continue to be established for Irish food and food products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47213/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

A key element of Food Vision 2030, the Irish agri-food sector's 10-year strategic development plan, is to grow the value of our agri-food exports on international markets. Food Vision identifies a number of actions targeted at realising this growth ambition, including market diversification and market promotion activities.

My Department works with industry and Bord Bia to realise the new opportunities which will support the continuing growth of our agri-food exports.  This includes a focus on markets and regions with growing middle-class populations and rising disposable incomes, markets with consumers who have a significant and growing appetite for the high-quality, sustainable and safe dairy, meat, beverages and seafood produced by our farmers, fishers and processors.

A key component of my Department's efforts to market Irish agri-food goods internationally is our Ministerial Trade Mission programme. In 2022 I and Minister Heydon led Trade Missions to the United States, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam, as well as European promotional activities in the United Kingdom, France and Germany.  Already in 2023 we have had Ministerial led Trade Missions to high potential growth markets in China and West Africa (Nigeria and Senegal). 

In April 2023, Minister Heydon went to China, where he supported a number of Irish exporters in promoting their high quality agri-food products at one of China's largest trade fairs in Hainan, and held high-level executive meetings with key customers for Irish food in Shanghai. 

I led a further trade mission to China in May, including a visit to the SIAL food trade fair in Shanghai, which underlines the Government's commitment to what is the top opportunity market in Asia for Irish agri-food exports.

In September I led a successful Trade Missions to Nigeria and Senegal and next week I will be taking part in a Team Ireland Trade Mission to Korea where I will seek to progress our beef market application. In November Minister Heydon will lead a Trade Mission to Malaysia and the Philippines.

This programme of Ministerial Trade Missions provides important opportunities for the Government to enhance the ongoing efforts of Bord Bia and industry in marketing Ireland's high quality, sustainably produced agri-food products in key priority growth markets.

Pigmeat Sector

Questions (247)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

247. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the pigmeat sector is adequately supported in a highly competitive environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47214/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am very aware of the contribution of the pig meat sector to Irish agri-food as a whole, supporting significant levels of direct employment as well as their role in supporting rural economies and the wider national economy.

In 2022, at a time when the pigmeat sector was experiencing severe financial hardship and when pig producers had to deal with enormous financial pressures, I provided significant supports, to this very valuable and important sector within Irish Agriculture.

My Department successfully delivered two financial aid schemes to commercial pig farmers in 2022.  In February 2022, I announced the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme funded by the Exchequer to support commercial pig farmers.  This scheme provided for a payment of up to €20,000 per farmer.  In total, there were 212 beneficiaries under this scheme and €4.05m was provided to the sector.

Later that year I successfully secured EU funding for the sector through EU Exceptional Aid.  This was distributed to commercial pig farmers through the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme 2.  The Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme 2, a voluntary scheme for pig farmers to support the viability of this important sector, was launched in June 2022 and provided for a payment of up to €100,000 per farmer.  In total, there were 163 beneficiaries under this scheme and just over €14m was provided to the Sector.

In total these two schemes provided in excess of €18m in financial support at a time when the sector was under significant financial stress to ensure its ongoing viability.

In addition to this financial support, Teagasc has a dedicated ongoing advisory support service for pig farmers.  My Department continues to monitor the market situation closely and engage at EU level to ensure a joined-up EU approach to the challenges arising from Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.

As in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish pigmeat sector over the medium to longer term.  According to the CSO’s August 2023 report, Irish pigmeat exports continue to perform well totalling  €587.78m for the January to August period of 2023, and my Department continues to work on new Irish pigmeat export opportunities.

I firmly believe that the pig meat sector in Ireland remains competitive and in recognition of its important role to the economy, I have provided significant support to ensure it remains viable.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (248)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the poultry production sector here remains viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47215/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am very aware of the contribution of the poultry production sector to Irish agri-food as a whole, supporting significant levels of direct employment as well as their role in supporting rural economies and the wider national economy. 

Poultrymeat, which is a high protein food source, has seen an increase in demand in recent years. Alongside this increased demand, prices have also risen. The average price in the January - August period of 2023 was 7.16% higher when compared to the average price paid for the same period in 2022. The 2023 price was 17.33% and 16.99% higher than the average price paid in the January - August period in 2020 and 2021 respectively indicating a very positive trend.

Poultry throughput for 2022 was slightly down on 2021 (-2.45%) with a total of 107.7 million birds processed. However exports were up in both value and volume. As in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term.  CSO figures, released for August 2023, show that the volume of poultry meat exports rose by 5.47% to 100,737 tonnes in 2022 and the monetary value of Irish poultry exports for 2022 rose by 30.99% to just over €315.107m, when compared to 2021 figures, which were 95,516 tonnes and €240.555m respectively.

The UK (€247m) continued to be the primary destination for exports and accounted for 78.39% of 2022 total exports in terms of value (€).  The Netherlands (€19.6m), France (€9.08m) and Germany (€7.09m) also featured prominently as Poultry Meat export destinations in 2022.  Securing market access and diversifying trade remains a key aim for my Department.  Developing market opportunities at home and abroad is one of the goals of Food Vision 2030. 

I am aware of the pressures being faced by many in the agri-food sector due to the increase in input costs, exacerbated by the impact of the illegal war in Ukraine. The Government provided welcome supports in response to the cost of living crisis, including the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme. The Department continues to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector.  

I firmly believe that the poultry production sector in Ireland remains viable.

Agriculture Supports

Questions (249)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the cereal-growing sector is adequately supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47216/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Irish tillage sector is an important and integral component of the Agri-Food industry which I have strongly supported in recent years.  

I doubled the annual budget for the Protein Aid Scheme from €3 to €7 million.  The Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) has paid €19.5 million to tillage farmers since it was launched as a pilot in 2021. I announced €7 million in additional funding for SIM this year on top of the €10m under the CAP Strategic Plan to ensure support for all applicants under the Scheme. The Tillage Incentive Scheme resulted in payments of almost €11 million to scheme applicants in 2022. Tillage farmers are also eligible and participate in the Agri-Environment scheme ACRES and in the Organic Farming schemes.  

In Budget 2024, I secured an additional €8 million funding which will be specifically targeted at the tillage sector. I am currently engaging with farming organisations on the best way to utilise this funding.  

I will also be engaging with the European Commission to allow the introduction of a dedicated support measure to provide 70% support for manure storage facilities on farms importing livestock manure under a contract relationship.  

I specifically requested support from the EU Agriculture Reserve for the tillage sector in light of the significant challenges in 2023. A support package of €7.148 million has been allocated to the sector under this fund where a one-off flat rate payment of €28 per hectare will be made on the area of oilseed rape, winter and spring barley, wheat and rye declared under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme in 2023.  Payments will be made on a minimum area of 5 hectares and will be capped at 100 hectares per grower.  

The tillage sector is dynamic, sustainable and world-class and I want to see it grow and develop in the years ahead. I assure the Deputy that I will continue to support the industry to deliver on its potential.

Climate Action Plan

Questions (250)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which efforts continue to maximise the reduction of carbon emissions in the agrifood sector without reducing production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47217/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has several policies and strategies in place to ensure agriculture plays its role in meeting the national climate targets by 2030 and 2050, while continuing to sustainably produce food and feed. The Food Vision 2030 Strategy sets out a pathway for Ireland to become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the next decade.

My position has been consistent- each sector, including agriculture, will need to play its part to achieve these climate targets. 

Climate Action Plan 2023 sets out many measures and actions to reduce Green House Gas emissions from the sector and my officials together with colleagues from the Department of the Environment Climate and Communications are currently working on preparing the agricultural chapter of Climate Action Plan 2024. In Climate Action Plan 2023, I have set out measures around three themes: inputs and additives, husbandry practices, and diversification. In practical terms, the types of actions that the sector is undertaking include reducing chemical Nitrogen usage and changing fertiliser type, providing voluntary diversification options for farmers, while also improving the environmental dividend from our farmed land. Each of these measures will be supported by a range of actions, setting out a viable pathway towards reaching our targets.  

To this end, Our CAP Strategic Plan will support farmers in delivering more sustainable practices while also supporting family farm incomes, with a budget of €9.8bn. In addition, I have provided €1.5bn for the new agri-environment scheme ACRES, a five-fold increase in funding for Organic Farming to €256m to triple the area of utilised agricultural area under organic production. A further €260m has been provided to improve the carbon efficiency of the suckler herd through genetic improvement.

 There is no doubt that some livestock farmers will take up diversification options that are provided as part of our climate transformation including to areas such as Organics, Forestry, Tillage and the provision of feedstock for Anaerobic Digestion as we increase the production of renewables. However, given the efficiency gains that continue to be made at farm level, I remain confident that we will continue to reduce emissions in the agri-food sector without reducing our agri-output.

The implementation of a low Methane emitting breeding programme has significant potential to harness the genetic variation for methane emissions that exists within the national herd, this, in turn, will bring about permanent and cumulative reductions in the Methane output of future generations of livestock. The results of the research also highlight the potential to breed more environmentally sustainable animals, while at the same time, not having a negative impact on food production. Progress continues to be made in relation to feed additives, which will have a significant positive impact on reducing emissions.  

The Teagasc Signpost Programme, supported by my department is working with Irish farmers and a partnership of over 60 partner and supporter organisations across the agri-food sector, to reduce Green House Gas emissions, reduce Ammonia emissions, reduce nutrient losses, enhance biodiversity, and improve the efficiency of food production. A cohort of 100 Signpost demonstration farms is at the centre of the Signpost Programme and cover all mainland-based enterprises. The objective of the Signpost farms will be to employ the emerging new technologies, such as new breeding programmes and feed additives, and to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from these farms to every farm in Ireland.

With the support of my Department; Teagasc, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation and Bord Bia are jointly developing a toolkit of tailored farm sustainability support and solutions for Irish farmers called AgNav. From 2024, it is targeted that 10,000 farmers will be utilising the platform each year. The platform will enable an analysis of an individual farms emissions and aid the farmer together with his climate adviser to identify the best measures on climate action and sustainability for implementation on their farm.

My Department is also supporting the taking and analysis of up to 90,000 samples through phase two of the soil sampling and analysis program over the next 12 to 18 months. Phase two will build on data gathered during the initial programme by providing valuable information to farmers to inform decisions that promote the health of their soils. Nutrient management and soil health are central to achieving economic and environmental sustainability on farms. I have allocated €8.8 million to this programme, on top of this €2.5 million for multi-species swards in 2024. These supports will enable farmers to reduce chemical fertiliser inputs, an economic benefit to the farmer and an environmental benefit to society while maintaining food production.

My aim is to future proof Ireland’s Agri-Food sector for the benefit of our industry, the environment and our farm families who are the backbone of the sector and rural communities. Ireland's agri-food sector will continue to be underpinned by our world class livestock and tillage sectors, and it is critical that we work collectively to achieve our environmental targets while maintaining food production. 

Agriculture Supports

Questions (251)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts ongoing by his Department to address issues around farmer mental health and well-being; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47218/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The safety, health and wellbeing of farmers is a priority for this Government. This year, dedicated funding of €2.5m was allocated for a range of initiatives that included supports to promote increased awareness of mental health and wellbeing among farmers.  

My Department, with the HSE and the Department of Health, is co-funding the ‘On Feirm Ground’ programme which equips farm advisers with the skills to engage with and signpost farmers to supports in relation to all areas of health and wellbeing. The new On Feirm Ground 2 programme, launched recently by my ministerial colleagues, Minister of State with responsibility for Farm Safety Martin Heydon, and Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton, will be rolled out to private veterinary practitioners, Department staff and other professionals who work with farmers.  

My Department also provided €1.8m in funding to eight farm safety European Innovation Partnership projects, including four projects that focused on farmers’ mental health. Additional funding was made available to extend these projects.  

Furthermore, I provided support for research into farmer mental health. The DCU led FARMHealth Research Project is examining farmers mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour to inform the development of an educational intervention for farmers. In the most recent Thematic Research Call, research proposals were sought on a range of themes including farmers safety, health and wellbeing. The successful proposals will be announced shortly.  

My Department supports the HSA’s Farm Safety Partnership and was involved in the publication of the “Farmers’ Health and Wellbeing - A Guide to Staying Healthy While Farming” booklet which was included in the 2023 BISS packs issued to over 122,000 farmers.  

I want to reassure the Deputy that farm safety, health and wellbeing is a priority for me and my colleague, Minister of State Martin Heydon T.D, who has special responsibility in this area.