Written Answers Nos. 57-81
62. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Government’s agreed decision on derogation will not be as severe as anticipated for west Cork farmers (details supplied). [42055/23]
View answerLet me be very clear in stating that securing the continued opportunity to avail of a nitrates directive for Irish farmers is Government policy. It was in the last Programme for Government and remains a policy position. I will work with farmers to improve water quality which is key to securing that derogation in the next round of negotiations and into the future.
Ireland's current Nitrates Derogation includes a requirement for a two-year water quality review. The European Commission Implementing Decision states that the maximum derogation stocking rate must reduce to 220 kg nitrogen per hectare (N/ha) from the start of 2024 in areas draining into a Nitrates Directive monitoring point where water quality is poor, or where worsening trends occur over the period 2022 compared to 2021.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed the water quality review in accordance with the Commission criteria. In June they published the outcome of the review, as illustrated by the "red map" showing areas that failed at least one of the Commission's four criteria.
Earlier this year I committed to further engagement with the Commission regarding the water quality review. That engagement culminated in a meeting with Commissioner Sinkevicius in early September. While the Commissioner was clear there could be no re-opening of the Commission Decision, the Commission was willing to consider limited scientifically justified interpretation of the results of the water quality review.
The interpretation exercise concluded in early October. It resulted in the exclusion of areas that failed the review solely based on an increasing nitrate concentration but where water quality was still good and agriculture was not identified as a pressure on water quality.
On the 3rd of October my Department published the implementation map showing the areas that must move to the maximum derogation stocking rate of 220 kg N/ha from January 2024.
In Cork in particular there is a mix of land that will remain at the current maximum derogation stocking rate of 250 kg and land that will move to the lower maximum stocking rate of 220 kg N/ha. My Department is currently categorising all land parcels with a view to shortly writing to individual farmers to set out their position based on land declared this year.
This letter will outline that following consultation with the Ag Water Quality Working Group, the derogation stocking limit of 220 or 250 kg N/ha will apply on a parcel-by-parcel basis. This rule will apply across and within townlands. Commonage land will maintain its lower stocking rate limit of 50kg N/ha. Where any part of a parcel is within the areas identified as remaining at the 250 kg limit, the whole parcel will remain at that higher limit for 2024.
Ireland is also shortly to complete an Interim review of the Nitrates Action Programme, as required by the European Commission, addressing actions that farmers can take to improve water quality. Part of that process will include an Appropriate Assessment that must be completed as part of this Interim Review of the Nitrates Action Programme, and which may be identify further areas that will have to move from the current maximum derogation stocking rate of 250 kg N/ha.
To allow an appropriate lead time, any land that is impacted by that process will only be subject to the lower limit with effect from January 2025. My Department will communicate in due course with any potentially impacted farmers when the outcome of that Appropriate Assessment process is known.
63. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the top priorities in 2024 for carbon emission abatement in agriculture, in marine and in forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46964/23]
View answerOn the marine side, I am happy to see that the transition of Ireland’s seafood sector to carbon neutrality has already commenced. Important developments supporting this transition are emerging at European level as part of the review of the Common Fisheries Policy and the associated package of measures to improve the sustainability and resilience of the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector.
In agriculture, the focus is on reducing Nitrous Oxide and Methane emissions, while increasing carbon capture and storage and contributing in a positive way to the decarbonisation of the energy system.
In 2024 reducing the application of Nitrogen based fertilisers will be a priority, replacing them with low emission fertilisers and Nitrogen fixed naturally in our soils by legumes such as clover. This is very much supported by the introduction of the fertiliser database under legislation this year. A significant reduction in fertiliser usage by Irish farmers of approximately 14% was seen in 2022. Whilst we await final figures for 2023, this reduction has continued and indeed has been built on with a further reduction in usage. This reduction is supported also through availability for support I introduced such as multispecies swards, red-clover and liming.
Reducing the age of finishing of our beef cattle will be a key area of focus and a measure that can significantly improve the carbon footprint of Irish beef.
One of my top priorities in 2024 is to enhance carbon sequestration through land use measures such as improved management of grassland on mineral soils, cover crops, incorporation of straw and afforestation.
Carbon Farming will be a critical part of our policy to meet climate targets. I recently launched a public consultation to guide the development of a National Carbon Farming Framework. Confidence in a carbon farming framework is a critical step in developing opportunities for additional financial rewards for actions by farmers to reduce emissions, including access to private sector funding. My Department has already created such opportunities under the woodland environmental fund.
I launched the new Forestry programme in September 2023, which is the most ambitious in the history of the State. Next year’s funding of €110 million will provide a strong foundation to the sector so that we can increase annual planting levels from 2024.
Continuing to increase the area being organically farmed in Ireland will be a priority in 2024. We have doubled the number of organic farmers and the land area farmed organically since this Government came to office. Budget 2024 will provide an allocation of €57 million to organics, which reflects the extraordinary level of interest in this scheme.
Continued investment in research and innovation will continue to be key in 2024, with new technological solutions being crucial to achieving emissions reductions. For example, great progress has been made in relation to feed additives, which will have a significant positive impact on reducing emissions.
The agriculture and land-use sector has been on a journey regarding emissions reduction for the last number of years and I am confident that the sector will enhance its environmentally credentials and will continue to produce world class products that are nutritious, safe and environmentally sustainable.
66. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the work of the wool council to date; the frequency with which it has met; what reports have issued to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47003/23]
View answerIn November 2021, my Department commissioned a study of the wool sector. Published in July 2022, the report was titled Review off Market Opportunities for Irish-Grown Wool Based Products, or the Wool Feasibility Study for short.
One of the key recommendations of the Wool Feasibility Study was the establishment of an independent, all-island wool council that would be industry-led and comprise multiple stakeholders from the wool sector, including primary producers, farmers and commercial enterprises willing to fund research and marketing activities. In support of this recommendation my Department committed financial assistance of €30,000 towards the initial set-up costs of the council.
In December last year, a meeting of stakeholders from across the island interested in forming a wool council took place. The group discussed their common aims and set up a working group to take the next steps in establishing the council. Officials from my Department also attended to outline the requirements for drawing down the seed funding.
On the fifth of April 2023, over 50 stakeholders from the wool sector launched the Irish Grown Wool Council. Members of the council were selected from a wide range of interests within the wool sector, including farmers; wool merchants; sheep shearers; educators; designers; crafters; as well as industry representatives and farming organisations. Department officials also attended the launch meeting to observe the process.
Officials from my Department have been in contact with the Council and have been informed that the next meeting will take place on the 27 October 2023.
Although my Department has committed the €30,000 in seed funding, which I understand has yet to be drawn down, the Irish Grown Wool Council is an independent body with members from both sides of the border. My Department does not have a seat on the council as it is an independent body and does not report to me.
Over time the council aims to promote wool as a natural, sustainable and versatile material. Its objectives are to improve the quality of Irish-farmed wool and to facilitate collaboration in product development and market research.
The deputy can obtain details of the Irish Grown Wool Council directly by contacting irishgrownwoolcouncil@gmail.com.
69. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the expansion of the lime scheme and making it available for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46949/23]
View answerIn response to increased input costs arising from the war in Ukraine, I introduced the Liming Programme earlier this year.
This was a once-off measure to incentivise the use of ground limestone, commonly called lime, a natural soil conditioner which corrects soil acidity, make nutrients more available for plant uptake, and improves overall soil health. This in turn has a positive impact on the crop's response to applied nutrients, thereby reducing the need for chemical fertiliser.
Since the scheme closed for applications, I have made two interventions on the original terms securing more money and more time to maximise the number of participants paid and to give as much flexibility as possible.
A total of approximately 38,500 farmers were approved to participate in the Programme and I secured a doubling of the budget from €8m to €16m in order to meet this huge demand.
In relation to the timing of spreading, the Deputy may be aware that on the 6th of October I announced important flexibility regarding the deadline for the spreading of lime under the Programme.
While the deadline of the 31st of October 2023 remains in place for receipt of claims for payment, applicants have until the 31st of March 2024 to spread the approved quantity of lime.
The extension to the spreading deadline was granted in response to the very challenging weather conditions experienced during the summer and autumn of 2023 which have significantly impacted soil trafficability and hence many farmer's ability to spread lime.
As stated already, the National Liming Programme is supported as a once-off measure in response to the war in Ukraine. It is funded by the National Exchequer under the current year's budget.
Invoices/Receipts with proof of payment must be submitted by the 31st of October this year to allow administrative checks to be completed in order for my Department to make payments to all eligible farmers before the end of this year.
While I have considered the matter, unfortunately there is no funding available within Budget 2024 for this measure and therefore it will not be possible to continue the Programme in 2024.
70. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that organic farmers are being discriminated against under ACRES due to the scoring system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46300/23]
View answerThe core payment for ACRES Co-operation Project participants is determined by results-based scoring. As I'm sure the Deputy can appreciate, in order to avoid double funding for actions on the same land, there is an additional payment for Organics farmers in ACRES, but at a reduced rate, once the baseline requirements for the Organic Farm Scheme are met.
I can assure you that Organic Farming Scheme farmers are not being discriminated against in ACRES. Rather, to reflect the importance of the Organic Farming Scheme and its contribution to environmental objectives, organic farmers get priority access through the tiered approach to the ACRES scheme, and/or through the ranking and selection process.
Staff in my Department work closely across divisions to try and optimise the ability to accumulate payments between schemes, while also ensuring there is no dual payment for the same action.
Additionally, within ACRES Cooperation Projects we have allowed for all applicants to avail of up to €52,500 over the five-year duration of the scheme, through core payments and non-productive investments.
So even in situations where an OFS farmer may receive what is perceived as a lower payment, they still have the opportunity to claim additional payments for non-productive investments such as additional hedge or tree planting. In addition, they are awarded for the high-quality status of their land.
More generally, I was delighted to announce that I have increased the allocation for ACRES by €40 million, bringing the total scheme allocation to €200 million for 2024. This is a substantial increase on the 2023 budget of €160 million.
The provision of this additional funding will allow delivery on the Government’s commitment to have 50,000 farmers participating in ACRES, our flagship environmental programme under Ireland’s 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan.
73. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to review the proportionality of financial penalties being imposed on farmers for administrative errors; if he believes that his Department is taking account of proportionality in deciding penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46303/23]
View answerAt the outset, it must be noted that CAP payments, including those made under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme, are governed by EU regulations and are subject to rigorous audit and control by the European Commission.
It is important that applicants meet all the eligibility requirements for the ANC Scheme and other area-based schemes they have applied to participate in in order to avoid reduced payments.
Where applicants do not meet scheme requirements, their payments may be reduced, and penalties applied. Penalties under the ANC scheme use the same basis for calculation as all other area based schemes including but not limited to the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) , Eco Scheme, Protein Aid scheme, Straw Incorporation Measure, Organic Farming Scheme and ACRES.
These reductions/penalties were reviewed as part of the new CAP and were reduced significantly. They are set out and agreed under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) which is in place until 2027.
Penalties can apply for under and over declaration of areas. It’s important to note that applicants are advised at the time of application of their digitised eligible area. Applicants may then choose to claim more or less than the advised digitised area. Where they claim more or less than the eligible area available to them, they are presented with a warning message during the application process.
These warnings and reminders are there to ensure the farmer is fully aware of the schemes he/she is or is not applying for and the area they are claiming.
The farmer can choose to accept these warnings but must do so by ticking a box during the application process.
The online application process has been streamlined over many years to ensure quick, efficient, and responsive processing and prompt payment to farmers. The application process is reviewed annually to make it is as clear and straight forward as possible. Every effort is made by the Department to improve the quality of applications with the aim of lowering administrative errors and allowing payments to issue in good time.
74. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the compatibility of maintaining a nitrates derogation in any form and combating water pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47012/23]
View answerSecuring the continuance of a nitrates directive for Irish farmers is Government policy. It was in the last Programme for Government and remains a policy position. I will work with farmers to improve water quality which is key to securing that derogation in the next round of negotiations and into the future.
The Nitrates Directive sets down strict scientific criteria in respect to the provision of a Nitrates Derogation. These include;
• a long growing season,
• crops with high nitrogen uptake,
• high net precipitation in the vulnerable zone,
• soils with exceptionally high denitrification capacity.
Ireland’s unique grass-based livestock production systems, our climate and our soils allow us justify a Nitrates Derogation in respect of the above conditions.
The Derogation is critical to preserving our outdoor grass based family farm system which means that we can:
• recycle our own nutrients on farm,
• be more self-sufficient in feeding our ruminant livestock,
• have lower greenhouse gas emissions per unit of output,
• provide improved biodiversity and air quality and
• have better animal welfare compared to indoor systems.
The loss of Ireland’s Derogation would risk perverse outcomes for many of these points.
There is often a simplistic narrative that removing the derogation will improve water quality. This is a simplistic view that fails to grasp the complexity of what is involved.
Ireland's Nitrates Derogation allows farmers operate above the normal maximum stocking rate of 170 kg of livestock manure nitrogen per hectare. However in return, our derogation farmers are subject to stricter environmental conditions, including a higher inspection rate.
Last year saw the introduction of Ireland’s 5th Nitrates Action Programme where the scope of some existing measures was broadened, other measures were expanded, and a number of new measures were introduced to drive improvements in water quality. These changes were introduced for farmers in 2022 and earlier this year, however these changes require time to demonstrate their full impact.
We all have to work together to reduce the levels of nutrients in our water. This responsibility extends to all farmers, but it also extends to private dwellings on septic tanks as well as Uisce Eireann who are also investing to improve water quality.
From agriculture’s perspective, this Government and my Department has invested in supporting farmers through initiatives such as the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme, and a €60 million investment in a national water quality project.
With the support of these initiatives and the commitment from the sector, I firmly believe Irish agriculture will drive improvements in water quality and support delivery of our overall environmental ambitions.
75. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of TAMS grants that remain outstanding; to outline the timeline for these to be looked at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47036/23]
View answerThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II) closed to applications on 16 December 2022. To date this extremely successful scheme has paid out in excess of €425 million in respect of 35,457 payment claims. A further 20,475 have yet to submit a claim. Submission of payment claims and the processing of payments for TAMS II are continuing on a weekly basis.
Following the success of TAMS II, I have significantly increased the number of investments available in TAMS 3 to in excess of 430 items. The scheme will be in place for a period of five years, until 2027, with an indicative budget of €370 million.
Tranche 1 of TAMS 3 closed on 30 June 2023, with 8,241 applications. The scheme has proved very popular, with an unprecedented level of applications received (almost four times the average number received per tranche under TAMS 2). Applications received across all of the measures in Tranche 1 are currently being processed. Once the initial processing is completed all applications will be subject to a ranking and selection process, which is a regulatory requirement for all TAMS 3 applications.
To assist with the processing of the huge number of applications, I decided that farmers who require the construction of slurry and manure storage facilities, or urgent animal welfare related investments required for the winter of 2023/2024, may apply for priority approval up to 15 September 2023.
Assessment has commenced on all applications with approvals having issued to eligible Priority cases. It is expected that approvals will commence issuing to other schemes starting with the Solar Investment Scheme in the next two weeks.
76. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage increase in the cost of farm fertiliser in each of the past 24 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46377/23]
View answerThe table below sets out the latest available CSO Agricultural Price Index for fertilisers which covers the period August 2021 to August 2023:
I am happy to share what is a detailed table with the Deputy after this engagement.
|
Date |
|||
|
Aug-21 |
100.2 |
Sep-22 |
231.6 |
|
Sep-21 |
104.3 |
Oct-22 |
238.9 |
|
Oct-21 |
120.8 |
Nov-22 |
238.8 |
|
Nov-21 |
123.2 |
Dec-22 |
236.8 |
|
Dec-21 |
147.7 |
Jan-23 |
232.2 |
|
Jan-22 |
179.9 |
Feb-23 |
223.1 |
|
Feb-22 |
193.4 |
Mar-23 |
209.9 |
|
Mar-22 |
216 |
Apr-23 |
180.3 |
|
Apr-22 |
250.8 |
May-23 |
160.0 |
|
May-22 |
248.6 |
Jun-23 |
131.8 |
|
Jun-22 |
232.8 |
Jul-23 |
126.5 |
|
Jul-22 |
226.5 |
Aug-23 |
125.6 |
|
Aug-22 |
228.2 |
|
|
As can be seen above, August 2023 fertiliser prices were some 25% higher than the corresponding date back in August 2022. However, it is clear that there has been a consistent and significant reduction in fertiliser prices during the course of 2023. The latest price index is at a level approximately 50% of prices in April 2022 when the initial effects of the Ukraine war had started filtering through to fertiliser price and availability. In the last year, prices have dropped 45%.
77. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the basis on which the areas of natural constraint scheme is considered by his Department to be an agri-environmental scheme; the environmental benefits that derive from the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46999/23]
View answerThe Areas of Natural Constraints scheme provides payments to people farming land in designated areas who face significant hardships from factors such as remoteness, difficult topography, climatic problems, and poor soil conditions.
Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 underpins the sustainable development of Ireland’s agriculture sector by:
• supporting viable farm incomes and enhancing competitiveness.
• contributing to the achievement of environmental and climate objectives at national and EU levels.
In doing so, Ireland’s CSP seeks to meet specific objectives set out in EU legislation.
Specific objectives of Ireland's CSP outline the need to restore, maintain and improve Ireland’s habitats and landscapes to halt biodiversity decline, including farmland birds and pollinators.
The Area of Specific and Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme addresses this objective due to minimum stocking rate requirements that Ireland has developed to protect biodiversity and habitats. Without a minimum stocking rate land would be under grazed which would have a negative impact on biodiversity.
Through the minimum stocking rate requirement, payments under this scheme will encourage the continued management of this agricultural land, contributing to biodiversity as well as to maintaining and promoting sustainable farming systems.
I would like to emphasise that direct payments are a valuable source of income support for all farmers across the agri-food sector with analysis showing that these payments are of particular importance to farms situated in areas of natural and other specific constraints.
In Ireland, 75% of Utilised Agricultural Area (UAA) is situated in areas of natural constraint in 2019, the 7th highest of all EU-27 countries. Without direct support, farming in these areas may not be viable and this could lead to the abandonment of agricultural land which would damage the rural economy, biodiversity and the future viability of the agri-food sector.
High Nature Value farming occurs most frequently in areas that are mountainous, or in areas where natural constraints prevent intensification; and that grazing on these agricultural areas can be an important component of maintaining certain habitats. Rewarding farmers for wider environmental services, such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity on their farms is necessary to ensure the continued viability of these farms.
The ANC Scheme will continue to ensure that landscapes and habitats can be maintained through appropriate farmland management and the avoidance of land abandonment.
78. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 10 of 13 July 2023, if he will provide an update on the work of the wool council; if the €30,000 in departmental funding has been drawn down to date; the plans to provide additional funding or support to the wool council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46983/23]
View answerOn the fifth of April 2023, over 50 stakeholders from the wool sector in both Ireland and Northern launched the all-island Irish Grown Wool Council. Members of the council were selected from a wide range of interests within the wool sector, including farmers; wool merchants; sheep shearers; educators; designers; crafters; as well as industry representatives and farming organisations. Department officials also attended the launch meeting to observe the process.
My Department has been in contact with the Council and have been informed that the next meeting will take place on the 27 October 2023.
Although my Department has committed the €30,000 in seed funding, which I understand has yet to be drawn down, the Irish Grown Wool Council is an independent body with members from both sides of the border. My Department does not have a seat on the council as it is an independent body and does not report to me.
Over time the council aims to promote wool as a natural, sustainable and versatile material. Its objectives are to improve the quality of Irish-farmed wool and to facilitate collaboration in product development and market research.
The deputy can obtain details of the Irish Grown Wool Council directly by contacting irishgrownwoolcouncil@gmail.com.
79. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the promised changes to the income supplement scheme under the bovine TB programme will come into effect, whereby these changes are to be backdated to 1 February 2023, given farmers whose herd have been identified with tuberculosis this year may be missing out on a month's income support from his Department as a result of the timeline between when TB was identified in the herd and when the infected livestock were removed from the farm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46500/23]
View answerAs part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group was established to review the financial modelling of various elements of the Bovine TB Eradication programme.
In March 2023, this Financial Working Group reached agreement on various enhancements to the Income Supplement Scheme, the Hardship Grant and the Depopulation Grant as well as enhanced ceilings for select animals being removed as part of the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme.
The enhancement of rates is linked to an increased contribution of farmer levies towards additional expenditure on these schemes. All of the agreed changes will be backdated to February 1st 2023.
In addition to the enhancement of rates, the financial working group also expanded the eligibility criteria under the Income Supplement Scheme and Hardship Grant Schemes. Herds in receipt of Income Supplement prior to February 2023 were eligible for payment from the date the reactor animals removed from their holding reached 10% of the overall herd. Payments were also made in respect of whole months only.
I am pleased to confirm that as part of the agreement of the Financial Working Group, from February 1st 2023 onwards, herds will be eligible for Income Supplement from the date where 10% or more of their herd are identified as reactors and payments will now include pro rata rates in respect of partial months.
The agreed enhancements to the 4 schemes requires substantial IT development. My Departments IT team are at an advanced stage of these upgrade works and it is envisaged that the updated systems will be operational in the coming weeks. Once the new IT system is operational, my department will identify all eligible herds and automatically issue balancing payments in due course.
80. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of improvements to the sheep scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47002/23]
View answerMy Department provides significant support to the sheep sector under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), through a targeted scheme for sheep farmers - the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) - as well as other CSP interventions such as ACRES and the Organic Farming Scheme which are open to both specialist sheep and mixed beef and sheep enterprises. This is a priority sector for me and was a key focus of mine in the recent budget negotiations.
In addition to the substantial payments under the CSP specifically targeted at the drystock sector, I have also been able to secure a further €15m of exchequer funding for the sheep sector for 2024. This additional funding, when combined with the current €12 payment to SIS participants, will result in a payment equivalent to €20 per ewe to beneficiaries in 2024. This increased provision will be the highest ever payment provided to our vitally important sheep sector.
In announcing details of my Department’s budget for 2024, I emphasised that my primary focus was on protecting farmer incomes while at the same time funding the agriculture sector’s environmental ambition and on-farm sustainability. The significantly improved payment announced in Budget 2024 will assist in alleviating input cost inflation for sheep enterprises which have greatly impacted on their profitability despite the record returns available to producers in recent years.
My officials are currently considering the precise modalities and the potential measures by which the increased exchequer funding can best be directed to sheep farmers in 2024 taking into account EU State Aid rules governing these types of support schemes. I will be in a position to announce further details on measure design and implementation arrangements once this process has concluded and outline how this additional €15m can be delivered to sheep farmers in 2024.
