Written Answers Nos. 82-100
82. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will advise why certain growers are excluded from the horticulture support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46730/23]
View answerI am acutely aware and fully appreciate the many challenges that horticulture growers have experienced in 2023 as a result of continued high costs of production and reduced output prices. These challenges were further compounded by the unfavourable weather conditions throughout the 2023 growing season. In recognition of these challenges I secured €2.382 million under the EU Agricultural Reserve for the horticulture sector.
While it is recognised that all horticulture growers have been impacted by the challenges facing the sector the available evidence indicated that the sectors eligible for the scheme (high-wire glass house grown tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, brown mushrooms, field vegetables (excluding potatoes) and field grown salad crops, energy reliant protected crops (heated strawberries and vertically grown greens) and apples) were particularly compromised in terms of economic viability, while the potato, white mushroom and unheated strawberry sub-sectors continued to be financially viable.
Given the limited fund allocation it was not possible to support all horticulture sub-sectors and as a result the fund is targeted at those sub-sectors whose economic viability is compromised due to the continued challenges encountered. The scheme is designed to ensure the short-term security and thus the long-term viability of these sub-sectors.
The Horticulture Crisis Fund is now open for applications until 1st November 2023.
Earlier this year, together with my colleague, Minister Pippa Hackett, I launched the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027. The stakeholder led Strategy sets down a clear vision to grow a more profitable, value-added sector, driven by innovation and sustainability and provides a roadmap for the sector to achieve this potential. I want to see this sector grow and flourish in the years ahead and my Department, together with stakeholders, continues to explore a number of avenues to help the sector overcome challenges it currently faces.
83. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the environmental standards and nature protection provisions his Department oversees; the level of activity of enforcement in each case, covering inspections, issuing of notices and prosecution; and if he plans to step up activity. [46965/23]
View answerMy Department supports farmers in the delivery of biodiversity through voluntary actions, such as agri-environmental schemes but also by implementing regulations designed to protect our biodiversity.
In the first instance, conditionality controls in respect of Common Agricultural policy payments are part of this approach.
Conditionality is a set of Statutory Management Requirements (SMR's) and Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) standards set out in EU Regulation 2021/2115 and included in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan.
The Conditionality SMR's dealing specifically with Climate and Environment include water abstraction and protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates and phosphates and conservation of wild birds and natural habitats dealing with parts of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.
The 9 GAEC's cover a range of standards related to soil, water and ‘space for nature.’ These combine to provide protection for water and soil as well as important habitats and ecosystems.
Payments to CAP beneficiaries are linked to the mandatory requirements under Conditionality. At least 1% of all beneficiaries under CAP Direct Payments are selected for Conditionality inspection annually, equating to at least 1,350 inspections in 2023. Any non-compliances identified are sanctioned with more serious breaches receiving a higher sanction. In the case of re-occurrence, where the same non-compliance is detected again within three calendar years, a higher sanction applies.
In addition to conditionality, maintaining and improving biodiversity is a core objective within Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan (CSP). The introduction of a new definition of land eligibility for direct payments under the CSP is already ensuring farmers are not restricted in their ambition to make changes for the benefit of biodiversity with areas of scrub now eligible within parcels The Eco-Scheme and the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) both have a strong focus on biodiversity.
Ireland's Eco-Scheme, new voluntary scheme under Pillar I of CAP where farmers have to undertake specific actions on their farms to receive payment has one of the highest farmer participation rates across the EU with 97% of all applicants applying. This scheme includes actions to provide for up to 10% 'space for nature on farms'.
Under the first tranche of ACRES an unprecedented 46,000 farmer applicants were accepted to participate in the programme across ACRES General and in high priority landscape areas through the ACRES Co-operation Projects.
In addition the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations cover three different types of on farm activities including restructuring of rural land holdings, commencing to use uncultivated land or semi-natural areas for agriculture and land drainage works for agriculture. Certain thresholds are in place where screening and consent applications are required to be submitted to my department and works can only proceed where it is identified that there wont be a negative environmental impact. This is a key piece of legislation to protect important habitats. There is currently a review of these Regulations which commenced in 20223 and is ongoing.
Finally, I firmly believe that support and engagement with farmers, the custodians of our landscape, will remain a critical factor in achieving our biodiversity goals.
84. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to review the farm succession scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47007/23]
View answerThe Deputy has clarified that she is primarily interested in Consanguinity Relief from Stamp Duty. My colleague the Minister for Finance carried out a review of the measure in advance of Budget 2024, which was published on budget day. Arising from that review, the Government decided to extend Consanguinity Relief from Stamp Duty for a further five years.
This is a hugely important relief to the agriculture sector that facilitates succession and the earlier inter-generational transfer of family farms, providing, under certain conditions, for a 1% rate of stamp duty to be applicable where a transfer of agricultural land is made to certain close relations. This relief promotes and encourages the lifetime transfer of farms, thereby enhancing generational renewal in the sector.
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.
As well as the taxation measures already mentioned, there are a number of others which 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 from Revenue show it was worth €34.3 million to 12,490 beneficiaries.
Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 reaffirms our commitment to generational renewal, reflecting the need for skilled and innovative young farmers to respond to societal demands for quality food and environmental public goods. Measures include:
• Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CIS-YF) dedicating some 3% of the direct payments ceiling (€1.186bn). An amount of €35million will be provided in support of young farmers each year from 2023 to 2027, which will result in payments of an average of €175 per hectare, subject to a maximum of 50 hectares, over the five years of the scheme to help young farmers establish their businesses.
• A National Reserve 2023-2027 will provide support to two priority categories of Young Farmer and New Farmer.
• Higher grant rates of 60% under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS).
• Collaborative Farming Grant 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.
The recently launched €500 million Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme, will facilitate strategic investment by SMEs, including farmers, fishers and food businesses, to ensure their continued viability and sustainability into the future. One of the unique characteristic 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, all of Teagasc’s education activities equips our young farmers with the necessary knowledge to build successful careers.
Supporting young farmers and new entrants in agriculture will ensure a strong and sustainable sector into the future and will remain a priority for me and the Government.
85. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the establishment of the office of the agrifood regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46848/23]
View answerThe primary legislation required to establish An Rialálaí Agraibhia, the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act was signed into law by President Higgins on 11th of July. This is a true delivery for me having spearheaded this initiative while in opposition, securing its inclusion in the programme for Government, advancing it through all stages of the legislative process and now into law.
This was a huge achievement and our focus since then has been on undertaking the necessary steps to formally establish the Office.
Concurrently with the legislative process a competition for the Chief Executive Officer of the regulator was carried out and Niamh Lenehan became CEO designate in May 2023. Ms Lenehan commenced her position on an interim basis as head of the Unfair Trading Practices Enforcement Authority (UTP EA). She shall become CEO on establishment day of the new regulator and all enforcement functions shall transfer from the UTP EA on this day.
In addition to taking over the UTP enforcement functions, the regulator will also provide a price and market analysis and reporting function to bring greater transparency all along the agri-food supply chain with a view to strengthening the position of primary producers and small businesses operating in the chain.
The next stage that must be completed before establishment is the appointment of the Board of An Rialálaí Agraibhia. A competition for the Chairperson and ordinary board members was advertised by State Boards on 25th of July. This competition is now closed and applications are currently being assessed and I expect to be able to announce the appointments in the near future.
In addition, work is well underway drafting the secondary legislation for the formal establishment of the office as well as the necessary logistics for the new regulator's accommodation, HR, ICT and Finance needs. Recruitment of additional staff is also underway. All of these are necessary steps so that the Office of the Regulator can be effective from its first day of establishment.
I want to assure the Deputy that the establishment of An Rialálaí Agraibhia is a priority for my Department and it is expected the office will be operational before the end of the year.
This will fulfil a major ambition set out in the Programme for Government.
86. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce a fodder scheme for the farmers along the river Shannon who lost meadow as a result of unprecedented rainfall this summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47013/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that in June 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia,, I launched the €56 million Fodder Support Scheme. The aim of the scheme was to incentivise farmers, in particular drystock farmers, to grow more fodder (silage and/or hay) to reduce the risk of animal welfare issues over the 2022 winter and 2023 spring.
Building on the success of the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme, I launched the 2023 Fodder Support Scheme in November 2022. €30 million was paid to farmers under the 2023 Scheme in December 2022.
Both the 2022 and 2023 schemes were a recognition of the impact of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the impact it had on the availability of imported animal feed and the price of agricultural inputs, especially chemical fertiliser.
At this time, there are no plans to introduce a further fodder support scheme for farmers in the Shannon Callows.
87. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider giving priority to ACRES applications where hen harrier designations exist, given these farmers currently have a designation but no compensation is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46299/23]
View answerI was delighted to announce that I have increased the allocation for ACRES by €40m bringing the total scheme allocation to €200 million – this is a substantial increase on the 2023 budget of €160 million. The provision of additional funding will allow us to deliver on the Government’s commitment to have 50,000 farmers participating in ACRES, our flagship environmental programme under Ireland’s 2023-2027 CAP Plan. There was unprecedented demand for places in Tranche 1 and having ensured all 46,000 farmers could participate in that Tranche, I am delighted to now open Tranche 2 to a further 4,000 farmers. I am now encouraging all farmers who are interested in applying to check on agfood.ie to see whether they are eligible to apply for ACRES General or ACRES Co-operation (CP).
As the Deputy may be aware, and as must be the case with Schemes including ACRES, my Department will, in the event of oversubscription, apply a ranking and selection process based on the extent of the environmental benefit to be delivered.
No doubt the Deputy will be familiar with the EU Birds Directive (Council Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds). It provides for the classification of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) across all Member States to protect birds at their breeding, moulting and wintering areas as well as staging posts along their migration routes. The Directive instructs all Member States, including Ireland, to classify the most suitable sites as Special Protection Areas for regularly occurring migratory species and for those species listed on Annex I to the Directive. Eight special protection areas have been classified for the conservation of Hen Harrier in Ireland.
I have put in place the following conditions for incoming applications in Tranche 2 so to comply with the Birds Directive.
In Tranche 2, ACRES General applicants can be considered for Tier 1 priority access to the scheme if they have at least 0.5 Hectares of land within the Natura (Special Areas of Conservation/Special Protection Areas) mapped area in 2022 and select one of the appropriate actions intersecting the Natura mapped area. The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) determine the designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHA).
For those falling within the ACRES CP stream there is no tiered entry, however, ranking and selection (RASS) may apply, if the Scheme is oversubscribed. Those applicants that have participated in and completed a European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project, such as the Hen Harrier Project, will receive points in the RASS process.
88. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline his Department’s ambitions for climate action addressing the food system; if he will outline his Department’s priorities as this year’s climate COP approaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46835/23]
View answerThe 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly referred to as COP28, will be the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference, held from November 30 until December 12 at the Expo City, Dubai.
I would like to highlight that as part of the COP28 preparations, the COP Presidency has set out within their Action Agenda a focus on putting nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action. The COP Presidency has signalled that the link between climate policy and food will be a key priority for COP28 which fits within a broader political context of seeing the role of food systems as a catalyst for achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
This is the first time in COP's history that the COP presidency has prioritised the link between climate and food. It will be key for Ireland to support this linkage and to highlight the food systems focus of our Food Vision 2030 strategy, the importance of a low carbon livestock system as a component of the food system and the need to support the sustainability of farm families around the world.
A key political objective of COP will be to agree a first ever Leaders Declaration on Food Systems, Agriculture and Climate Action. The COP28 Presidency has put forward the Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action for collective action to achieve the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The promotion of the climate and food agenda internationally can bring economic benefits and further strengthen the links between the agri-food and the environmental sectors. A key element of the declaration is a voluntary commitment to incorporate food systems and agriculture into National Climate Action Plans by 2025 and this is central to our Food Vision 2030 strategy.
I am scheduled to travel to COP 28 to coincide with the food, agriculture, nature and land use thematic days of the 9th and 10th of December. I, together with my officials, are working on developing an itinerary that will allow me to participate in and engage at events and meetings where I will be seeking to share the good work that is ongoing in Ireland with other parties through our implementation of Ireland’s Food Vision 2030 Strategy, 2023 Climate Action Plan and our increased investment in Agri Climate focused research.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Irish delegation attending COP 28 safe travel and every good fortune in their engagements.
89. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the application for PGI status for boxty. [46642/23]
View answerGeographical Indications identify a product whose quality, reputation or other such characteristics are linked to its geographical origin.
My Department, as the Competent Authority for Protected Geographical Indications (PGI), checks PGI applications to ensure that the application and product specification are compliant with the relevant European Commission Regulations governing the scheme. I am very supportive of these applications once the criteria are satisfied as they add value to our agri-food products as well as highlighting their heritage.
As part of its scrutiny of the PGI application concerned, my Department has had extensive engagement with the applicant regarding the application for this food product since it was first received some time ago.
Geographical Indications are considered to be like intellectual property. Therefore the description of the product specification and the link and reputation of the product need to be clearly set out in the application and product specification. The application needs to withstand scrutiny at a number of levels: by my own Department, by stakeholders through the national opposition procedure, by the European Commission and by other Member States and third countries. The work undertaken with the applicant to this point is important to ensure the application can withstand the scrutiny at all stages of the process.
My Department's scrutiny is almost complete. Once my Department is satisfied that the application is ready, the application can move to the next stage which is the national opposition procedure.
90. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is possible to amend existing ACRES plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46866/23]
View answerThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme, or ACRES, is the central agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. It is a flagship agri-environmental project with funding of €1.5bn committed over the scheme lifetime. This is the largest amount ever committed to an agri-environment scheme.
Tranche 1 of ACRES opened for applications on 17th October 2022, and closed on 7th December 2022. The closing date was extended by two weeks to facilitate the workload of advisors and to ensure receipt of the best quality applications possible. Following engagement with relevant stakeholders I was pleased to announce that all eligible applications were admitted into Tranche 1.
An approval letter issued to all applicants from 8th March 2023. It was advised in this letter to contact the ACRES Section in writing or by email, within 14 calendar days from the date of the approval letter; otherwise, it was taken that the applicant had accepted the offer and associated Terms & Conditions.
ACRES Circular No. 12/2022 which issued to all farm advisors prior to the closing date of Tranche 1 made it clear that once an application had been submitted in full, it would not be possible to make further changes. It is not possible to reopen applications or to make amendments and additions to the actions included at the time of application.
It is anticipated that payments for Tranche 1 that have passed all validations will commence in late November, and will continue to issue on a weekly basis.
All necessary material to enable ACRES payments to be calculated need to be provided to my Department by advisors on behalf of their clients. In addition, each participant is required to complete a training course in the first year of their contract. I would urge all advisors and farmers to ensure that all outstanding requirements are fulfilled in order to facilitate the earliest possible payment of participants.
91. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with reference to his Department’s July 2023 solar PV registered installer list, the number of PV installer registration forms received and accepted by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47016/23]
View answerThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.
My Department maintains a registered list of competent installers to carry out solar PV installations under TAMS 3. The latest version of the list is available on the Department’s website. Versions of the list has been posted on the Department’s website since 2019, when grant aid was made available for solar PV installations across all farming enterprises.
The current up to date total number of registered PV installers now stands at 187 compared to 171 installers included in the July 2023 list.
The safety of Solar PV systems, both at installation phase and for subsequent use by applicants of the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) is of paramount importance, and standards set out in technical specification S198 - Minimum Specification for the Installation of Solar PV Systems, which cover all relevant electrical and structural standards must be met.
My Department also required that Solar PV installers must sign off on a testing and commissioning report confirming that the system is ready for electricity generation in a safe manner in line with the latest applicable electrical standards.
92. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 13 July 2023, if he will provide an update on plans for the introduction of measures to protect the sprat industry, which is concentrated within the six-nautical-mile zone; if he has received the updated scientific and economic advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara on trawling within the six-nautical-mile zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46984/23]
View answerFurther to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 13 July 2023, I can advise that work is being carried out on the up-to-date scientific and economic advice by the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, respectively, on trawling in the waters inside the 6 nautical miles. It has been five years since the original scientific and economic advice was compiled and the public consultation on this issue took place. My Department is in the process of identifying policy options for my consideration and I remain committed to ensuring inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels.
93. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a full explanation of a recent incident (details supplied) involving European Union produce transiting through the North of Ireland for processing in the South, which subsequently led to an EU-wide food recall notice being issued; what protocol has been put in place by his Department to prevent such an incident occurring in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46991/23]
View answerThe matters raised by the Deputy are not within the remit of my Department.
The control of imports via Northern Ireland, including products which are destined to be placed on the EU market, is the responsibility of the UK authorities in accordance with the provisions of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement and the Windsor Framework agreed by the UK government and the EU.
The recall notice which was issued following notification of this incident by the Northern Ireland / UK authorities is a matter for the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). As such, queries in relation to this should be addressed to my colleague the Minister for Health.
94. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the supports and grants available to farmers who wish to provide renewable energy and electricity generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46995/23]
View answerThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.
The Solar Capital Investment scheme is one of these measures which provides support to farmers wishing to invest in renewable energy. To encourage on-farm renewable technology uptake and usage, grant aid is provided to assist farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of Solar PV technology together with battery storage on Irish farms.
There is an overall indicative budget of €370m for the TAMS 3 schemes up to the end of 2027. The solar scheme is ring fenced with its own investment ceiling of €90,000, with grant aid at the enhanced rate of 60%. This scheme launched on 22nd February 2023 and is proving to be a hugely successful scheme with 753 applications received in Tranche 1. These applications are currently being assessed and it is expected that approvals will issue shortly. To further facilitate investment in renewable energy and indeed other on farm investments, I announced in September that all eligible applications under Tranche 1 would be approved for payment.
Applicants under the Solar Capital Investment Scheme can also receive the Clean Export Guarantee payment for any electricity spill-over that may occur on a given day as this is funded directly by the electricity companies. However, they are not eligible for any other payment, such as the Clean Export Premium, as it would be double funding of the investment.
The new TAMS is closely aligned to our climate and sustainability needs through continued and enhanced support for renewable energy. Adoption of sustainable energy practices at farm level, including energy efficiency, deployment of renewables at farm level and the provision of agriculture feed stocks for renewable energy generation is a key climate pillar for the agriculture sector.
95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to liaise with all the stakeholders, given the necessity to ensure soil management techniques are employed to reduce the possibility of soil compacting, which may result in surface flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46714/23]
View answerGood soil management techniques are key to crop and livestock farming systems. Farmers in receipt of EU payments are expected to observe the Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC) requirements under CAP conditionality. Under conditionality, GAEC promotes agricultural practices that can help mitigate the risk and impact of flooding. Certain GAEC measures encourage positive soil management practices which can reduce erosion, improve water infiltration and maintain soil vegetative cover.
In addition, GAEC promotes good structured soils, and the maintenance of soil organic matter content, which in turn can absorb and retain water more effectively thereby reducing the runoff that can contribute to flood events.
Both I and my Department continue to liaise with stakeholders in the areas of Climate Change adaptation which includes droughts and flooding and are currently in discussions with Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), who are drafting the National Adaptation Framework and will have implications on the Sector specific Adaptation Plans. In addition my Department will work along side other Government Departments and other stakeholders when the discussions take place on the Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive.
96. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department collates statistics on the number of persons who obtain a green cert qualification; and, if so, if he will provide a year-by-year breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46378/23]
View answerThe Green Cert programme is accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the national agency responsible for assessing the fitness of providers and validating education programmes in Ireland leading to QQI awards.
My Department does not collate statistics on the number of persons who obtain the Green Cert. It is important to note that the Green Cert is delivered by a number of different education providers from across the further education system. Teagasc, which operates under the aegis of my Department, is the largest provider in the State. Some Employment and Training Boards (ETBs), which operate under the aegis of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science also deliver the Green Cert as do a small number of private providers.
Insofar as my Department is concerned, we work in tandem with Teagasc to maximise participation in their Green Cert programme. I have asked Teagasc to directly provide the Deputy with yearly statistics on completions over the last 10 years.
97. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on delayed payments to farmers as a result of CAP 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46953/23]
View answerI am delighted to say that the ANC, BISS & CRISS have commenced payments on the dates communicated to farmers in March at rates in line with previous years and we are on target to commence eco-scheme payments next week as was detailed also. This is a considerable achievement in the first year of the new CAP when a whole range of new schemes are being introduced along with substantial changes to existing schemes over a relatively short time period.
I know how crucial all payments are to our farm families and I am committed to delivering all payments associated with my Department as quickly as possible.
The new CAP represents a significant evolution of the policy compared to previous iterations. It needs to be clearly understood by all stakeholders that the new CAP introduced a whole new delivery model and established several new schemes. In 2023, the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is replaced by the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS).
While payment will still be paid based on Payment Entitlements, there are substantial changes to the BISS compared to the BPS, including very positive changes to land eligibility and a new active farmer check.
The land eligibility rules have changed from the previous CAP, to allow scheme payments on greater areas of scrub and other areas deemed beneficial for the climate and environment. The active farmer check has been introduced to ensure the person receiving the scheme payments is the person farming the land. These are all important changes, which will benefit farmers.
In addition, the mechanisms used by my Department to check the scheme requirements for many of the schemes have changed in 2023, especially with the mandatory introduction of the Area Monitoring System as required under EU regulations. The Area Monitoring System has many significant benefits for Irish farmers including a reduction in the number of on-farm physical inspections and the introduction of warning alerts to farmers so as to minimise the occurrence of non-compliances, allowing farmers to correct mistakes and giving farmers and advisors more time to respond to queries with no impact on their payment.
It should also be noted that the closing date for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and other area-based schemes applications (including the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme) was extended to two weeks later than previous years and thereby provided farmers and advisors more time to submit their applications before the closing date.
The timelines for all schemes, including the planned payment dates, have been set taking account of the impact of introducing a whole suite of new schemes, new applications systems, new monitoring systems, new validation and processing systems and new payment systems.
A letter issued earlier to farmers in March this year regarding the revised payment dates for 2023. This information was provided as early as possible to allow farmers time to plan. A further letter reconfirming these dates was delivered in early September and my Department has delivered on these dates. These revisions have been made as a result of the changes brought about under the new CAP.
I am very aware of the importance of these advance payments for farmers and In line with commitments given at meetings of the Charter of Rights for Farmers earlier this year. My Department is committed to bringing 2024 payment dates back in line with the previous programme when the technological and administrative challenges brought about by the new CAP programme have been fully addressed.
98. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the progress of the agricultural sector in reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47009/23]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2023 was launched on 21 December 2023 to set out a roadmap for taking decisive action to halve our emissions by 2030 and reach net zero no later than 2050, as committed to in the Programme for Government. Climate Action Plan 2023 sets outs how Ireland can accelerate the actions that are required to respond to the climate crisis, putting climate solutions at the centre of Ireland’s social and economic development. The significant actions for agriculture in this plan provide a viable pathway to achieve a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for agriculture by 2030. These actions are in line with achieving a 51% reduction in Ireland’s overall GHG emissions by 2030, and net-zero emissions no later than 2050.
The plan commits the agriculture sector, to strong climate action with a focus on reducing nitrogen and methane emissions, and increasing carbon capture and storage as well as positively contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system. Reduced application of nitrogen based fertilisers, replacing them with protected urea and reducing the age of cattle finishing is key to achieving this ambition. Carbon sequestration is one of a range of important services being provided by sustainably managing forests. This Climate Action Plan recognises the positive impact that forests and forest products make in sequestering and storing carbon. This plan includes the Forest Strategy, launched recently, as well as developing, adopting and assessing Coillte's Strategic Vision, which aims to capture additional carbon dioxide in forestry, soils and wood products by 2050. In addition, this plan sets a target of 450,000 ha for organic farming. There is a clear commitment by Government to deliver on the Programme for Government target and key to this is the enhanced budget support for organics in the CAP Strategic Plan. The Organic Farming Scheme opened for applications in respect of 2023 in autumn 2022. Over 2,000 new entrants to organic farming, doubling the number of organic farmers in Ireland. Based on average farm size, it is estimated that the land area farmed organically will amount to over 180,000 hectares or 4% of the overall land area.
The Programme for Government and Food Vision 2030 highlight the need for support and investment in research. It is through research and innovation that a series of action have been developed and these actions, once implemented can reduce emissions from the sector, underpinned by robust science. Technological solutions for reducing GHG emissions at farm level are in development. In May I announced a world-first scientific breakthrough that can enable the reduction of methane from the Irish cattle herd through animal genetics. This will be possible because of the publication of methane evaluations which will enable breeding programs to reduce daily methane emissions in beef cattle. The research to underpin this is a result of a €3 million project ‘GREENBREED’, funded by my Department. The project has led to the publication of the world’s first national genomic evaluations for methane emissions in Irish beef cattle. The work indicates that breeding programs to reduce methane emissions will be effective for selecting low-emitting livestock, especially when undertaken in tandem with the national genomic evaluations, such as the age at slaughter evaluations released last year.
Our CAP Strategic Plan will support farmers to transition to more sustainable practices while also support farm incomes, with a budget €9.8bn. Significant funding has been provided including €1.5bn for the new agri-environment scheme ACRES, a five-fold increase in funding for Organic Farming to €256m to triple the area to 7.5% of UAA, and €260m to improve the carbon efficiency of the suckler herd through genetic improvement.
Agriculture greenhouse gas emissions decreased 1.2% in 2022 primarily due to a decrease in fertiliser use. The next iteration of the Climate Action Plan is being prepared and will build further on the measures I have identified above.
99. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what efforts have been made to address the issue of just one herd keeper being allowed with regard to recognising the role of women in agriculture and overcoming existing structural challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46728/23]
View answerA herdnumber is an administrative device, issued by my Department for the purposes of disease control. A herdnumber, therefore, does not imply ownership of land or ownership of any animals tested or kept under that herdnumber.
There are two roles associated with a herdnumber - a herdowner and a keeper.
The role of keeper can only be assigned to one natural person over the age of 18. This is to ensure that one natural person is assigned clear responsibility and accountability for the health and welfare of the animals.
Under existing criteria, it is however possible for more than one person to be registered as herdowner. This system has been in place for many years and there are many examples of herd numbers being associated with multiple registered herd owners.
Officials in my Department have been engaged with stakeholders on their concerns regarding herd numbers. My Department will continue to consider this important issue and engage with relevant stakeholder.
100. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will extend the lime scheme to next July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46903/23]
View answerIn response to increased input costs arising from the war in Ukraine, the Liming Programme was introduced by my Department earlier this year as a once-off measure to incentivise the use of ground limestone, a natural soil conditioner which corrects soil acidity, makes 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.
As the Deputy will likely be aware, on the 6th of October I announced important flexibility regarding the deadline for the spreading of lime under the National Liming 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 this year which have significantly impacted soil trafficability and hence many farmer's ability to spread lime.
As previously stated, the Programme is supported as a once-off measure in 2023 in response to the war in Ukraine that is funded by the National Exchequer. There is no funding provision available for 2024. Therefore claims for payment including Invoices/Receipts with proof of payment must be submitted by the 31st of October, so administrative checks can be completed this year in order to facilitate payments from the 2023 Budget. In line with audit requirements, some verification checks will be carried out early next year to ensure lime has been delivered and spread on farms availing of the extension to the spreading deadline.
The Programme was established and advertised to provide support for farmers that wished to spread lime in 2023. It will not be possible to extend the programme into 2024.
