Written Answers Nos. 612-626
612. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is funding available for agriculture businesses such as start-up/reopening of businesses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54766/23]
View answerThere is no funding provided by my Department in the form of start-up/re-opening grants for rural businesses including livestock marts.
The support my Department provided in 2023 was for existing marts to upgrade their equipment following the introduction of mandatory electronic identification (EID) of cattle. The Mart EID Upgrade Scheme closed on 10th November 2023.
613. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the key policy achievements realised and new initiatives taken by his Department during 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54780/23]
View answerMy Department is the lead for 148 of the actions in the Agriculture, Food, and the Marine chapter of the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future. As of December 2023, I can report that 72% of these as either “target achieved” or “substantial action undertaking & ongoing”, with another 24% reported as “commenced & progressing”. Some of my main policy achievements and new initiatives in 2023 include:
• Continuing the implementation of Food Vision 2030, our shared stakeholder-led strategy for agrifood, with its ambition for Ireland to be “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”. In demonstrating the Irish agrifood sector meets the highest standards of sustainability – economic, environmental, and social – this will also provide the basis for the future competitive advantage of the sector. Its first Annual Report was launched in May.
• Commencing work under the new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027, which has a significant budget of €9.8 billion, with more than 60% of that (just under €6 billion) targeted at supporting farm incomes. The CAP objectives aim to improve the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the agricultural sector, and we have seen in this period a real shift in focus towards supporting farmers for practices that benefit the climate, environment and biodiversity. In Ireland’s case, a significant element of our CAP funding is targeted towards delivering on environmental and climate objectives. At EU level we have the second highest amount of CAP funding dedicated to environmental action, almost 70% of the Pillar 2 Rural Development funding, including a new agri-environment scheme, ACRES, and a five-fold increase in funding for Organic Farming.
• The establishment of the Agrifood Regulator. I brought forward the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill 2022 in line with the Programme for Government commitment to establish a new authority to ensure fairness, equity, and transparency in the food chain. The Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023 provides for the establishment of a new independent statutory Authority to be known as ‘An Rialálaí Agraibhia’ (Agrifood Regulator). The Office will be formally established on 13 December 2023.
• I continue to work closely with all stakeholders in gaining, maintaining, restoring and enhancing access for Irish agrifood products to a wide range of priority markets. This includes participating in an ongoing programme of trade missions and promotional activities, in cooperation with Bord Bia. 2022 saw record agrifood exports valued at €19 billion, up 32% in value from €14.3 billion in 2020.
• The agriculture, food and marine sectors continue to play a leadership role in delivering on the ambitions target which culminate in a whole-of-economy 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. Policies and strategies devised by my Department are bearing fruit with emissions from agriculture trending downwards, which marked an important reversal of what had been a steady upwards trend since the lowest emissions were reported in 2011. I have introduced measures to achieve abatement potential in the agriculture sector, backed by financial commitment including a budget of €1.5 billion for the new agri-environment scheme ACRES, a five-fold increase in funding for Organic Farming to €256 million to triple the area to 7.5% of utilised agricultural area, €260 million to improve the carbon efficiency of the suckler herd through genetic improvement, and €43 million for a major genotyping programme for Irish cattle which was announced in May 2023, which will enhance the environmental sustainability, health and productivity of Irish beef and dairy herds.
• In 2023 my Department continued implementation of schemes developed on foot of the recommendations of the Seafood Sector Task force. I have provided funding of €305.5m to support these schemes such as the Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme, the Brexit Sustainable Aquaculture Growth Scheme, and the Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme. In addition my Department secured positive State Aid decisions from the Commission in relation to four new schemes: the Brexit Fish Processor Transition Scheme; the Brexit Specific Scallop Fleet Transition Scheme; Brexit Fisheries Cooperative Transition Scheme 2023; and the Brexit Pelagic Fisheries Support Scheme. Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) are now implementing these new schemes that will deliver significant benefits to the sector. The Brexit Pelagic Fisheries Support Scheme provides a €25.6 million support package funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund for vessels that have suffered losses of mackerel quota as a result of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The Brexit Fish Processor Transition Scheme is a liquidity scheme for processors (of any size) which will make aid of €7 million available to this sector to offset losses incurred in 2021 arising from reductions in quota on foot of the TCA. The Brexit Fisheries Cooperative Transition Scheme is a continuation of the previous scheme to support the Cooperatives in 2022, and will make a further €1 million in aid available. The Brexit Specific Scallop Fleet Transition Scheme will provide support to this small fleet segment to enable these vessels to adapt to the issues created by Brexit in the scallop fishery.
• The overall funding of €1.3 billion committed to the new National Forestry Programme for the period 2023-2027 represents the largest-ever investment by an Irish Government in tree-planting. It has been designed to incentivise farmers to the greatest extent possible to engage with tree-planting as an alternative income stream.
• The publication of Ireland’s first National Bioeconomy Action Plan for the period 2023-2025. The Plan will have a strong focus on bringing sustainable scientific practices, technologies, and biobased innovation into use on farms and by biobased industries in Ireland. The bioeconomy offers a vast range of new opportunities, new business models, new value chains, and is a key element in the diversification of the sector in line with the ambitions set out in Food Vision 2030.
• The area of research and development is a key focus for my Department, with a budget now standing at €22.45 million. This will be used to drive greater innovation in our agriculture and food sectors as we position Irish agriculture as a leader in sustainable food production.
• Engagement with the Food Vision Tillage Group, whose final report will be presented shortly. It will be an important step in the process to sustainably grow the tillage sector to 400,000 ha by 2030, while also identifying other opportunities for the sector.
• The publication of the new National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027. The Strategy highlights the potential of the horticulture sector to play a key role in the achievement of our vision for the Irish agrifood sector, both economically and environmentally.
I will continue to lead the development of agrifood in collaboration with the sector and continue to deliver on our Programme for Government commitments.
614. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding provided for the control of horses in Cork to date. [54808/23]
View answerThe Control of Horses Act 1996 (the Act) provides powers to local authorities, enabling them to control stray and wandering horses in their geographical areas. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for the relevant local authority, in this case Cork City and County Councils.
My Department provides funding to local authorities as a contribution towards the costs incurred by them in operation of the Act. Funding provided to Cork City and County Councils by my Department in this regard to date in 2023 is €5,925.
615. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding provided to Cork City Council for the control of horses in 2022. [54830/23]
View answerThe Control of Horses (COH) Act 1996 (the Act) provides powers to local authorities, enabling them to control stray and wandering horses in their geographical areas. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for the relevant local authority, in this case Cork City Council.
My Department provides funding to local authorities as a contribution towards the costs incurred by them in operation of the Act. Funding provided to Cork City Council by my Department in this regard in 2022 was €1,875.
616. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the horse project for Cork. [54831/23]
View answerMy Department and I are fully committed to supporting sustainable, One Health, One Welfare initiatives in line with the Programme for Government and Working Together for Animal Welfare, Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025 and continue to support a number of urban horse projects nationwide.
These projects can foster community leadership and education in responsible horse ownership for young people from disadvantaged communities or backgrounds.
Typically, support and arrangements for these projects are provided by the Local Authorities. The funding provided by my Department is paid through the Local Authorities to support these projects.
Through Cork City Council, my Department has in the past supported a Cork City Horse Project which was a collaborative initiative involving Cork City and County Councils and community stakeholders including the Traveller Visibility Group.
We welcome further submissions, through local authorities, for assistance in Cork in the context of our Urban Horse Projects scheme.
In October this year, my Department held a seminar dedicated to the promotion of such urban horse projects nationwide. The seminar encouraged collaboration and the exchange of ideas and best practices among local authorities and other stakeholders, with a view towards enabling more projects to be successfully established.
617. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the recently announced Shannon Callows fodder scheme to ensure the adequacy of satellite monitoring in capturing the actual number of farms impacted; how the number of impacted farms is being calculated by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54911/23]
View answerFollowing exceptional flooding in the Shannon Callows during summer 2023 on 7 November 2023, I announced the launch of the Shannon Callows Flood Scheme. The aim of the scheme is to support farmers who have lost fodder due to flooding in the region during summer 2023. I have allocated funding of approximately €800,000 which will allow for a payment rate of up to €325 per hectare for LPIS parcels in the Shannon Callows Special Area of Conservation (SAC) impacted as determined by my Department's Area Monitoring System and which were claimed by farmers on their 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application.
My Department has contacted the farmers that the Area Monitoring System has identified as having been impacted by the flooding, providing them with a simple application form for them to sign and return if they wish to apply for the support. Farmers are asked to confirm they have lost fodder as a result of the exceptional flooding in order to receive payment.
Using satellite monitoring to identify those most impacted represents, the most appropriate mechanism to verify the baseline criteria required to establish eligibility for the scheme and to ensure much needed funds are received by farmers in a prompt manner. Imagery captured by the Copernicus satellite is publicly available and provides a transparent record of flooding in the Shannon Callows SAC between 02 July 2023 and the 29 September 2023.
A total of 230 expression of interest letters including the application form were issued on the 17 November 2023 and many of those are already paid. A further 47 expression of interest letters including the application form issued on the 7 December 2023 and I advise those farmers to complete and return those as soon as possible if they wish to partake in the scheme and receive financial support.
619. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare who has received the 2023 single farm payment is not allowed by the Department’s computer system to apply for ACRES tier 2 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54928/23]
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. ACRES will play a huge role in driving environmental improvements while also providing crucial income support to farm families.
The terms and conditions for the second tranche of the scheme have been published and are now available at gov.ie - Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) (www.gov.ie). As stated in this document, one of the eligibility requirements for a farmer to participate in Tranche 2 of ACRES is the submission of a Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application for 2022. A further requirement is that all lands must also be declared in the applicant’s 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application (and declared on the applicant’s BISS application for all subsequent years of participation). The person named does not have a valid BPS application submitted in 2022 and therefore will not be eligible to apply for Tranche 2 of ACRES.
The processing of applications and scheme payments requires data inputs from other areas of my Department. One of the critical data sources for the administration of ACRES is the Basic Payment Scheme data. To ensure the delivery of Tranche 2 in line with the committed timeframe the most complete data set was required early in the planning process. This information enabled my Department to determine the ACRES stream each applicant is allocated to, i.e. ACRES General or ACRES Co-Operation, and to allow IT system development. The most complete data set available at the time of system development was the 2022 BPS data, making this a necessary requirement in relation to eligibility for ACRES.
620. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54931/23]
View answer633. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a matter (details supplied) in relation to the new Eurostar evaluation will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55251/23]
View answer634. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter in relation to the latest evaluation change (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55281/23]
View answer637. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for changes by an organisation (details supplied); if there are avenues for appeals for owners who have had their ratings changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55390/23]
View answer638. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the widespread concerns of farmers in relation to recent changes introduced to the Eurostar evaluations by an organisation (details supplied) and the difficulties it is causing for some farmers participating in the suckler carbon efficiency programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55395/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 620, 633, 634, 637 and 638 together.
The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) is the body approved in Ireland in accordance with relevant EU legislation to conduct testing, genetic evaluation and publication of breeding values for dairy and beef cattle have recently updated beef breeding indexes.
This was the first major update since 2015, based predominately on changing economic drivers such as feed costs and beef prices. A modest adjustment also took place based on earlier slaughter of animals, tuberculosis resistance, carcass specifications and lower methane output.
I understand that prior to the updates, Continentals (Charolais, Limousin and Belgian Blue) were the most desirable Terminal cattle breeds and they continue to be the most desirable after the changes. With regard to the Replacement Index, the top three most desirable replacement breeds (Aberdeen Angus, Limousin and Simmental) remain as the top three after the changes.
ICBF have communicated extensively on changes to the beef indexes, including with breed societies, since the changes were announced. ICBF has recently committed to convening an industry stakeholder forum to address issues and concerns raised by suckler farmers and pedigree breeders and I welcome this engagement.
The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme aims to provide support to suckler farmers to improve the profitability and environmental sustainability of the national beef herd. I understand from ICBF that 84% of 4-5 Star animals prior to the changes will retain their 4-5 Star status after the changes.
Animals in SCEP herds whose Index falls will not be impacted by the changes unless the SCEP participant sells an animal that has gone down in rating. It is only when this animal moves out of this herd, its 3 Star rating will become applicable and it will no longer meet the 4 and 5 Star eligibility criteria. I understand that any other issues will be addressed in the coming months in the stakeholder forum and communications will be issued to SCEP participants by ICBF. I will continue to monitor any impact on SCEP farmers closely.
I am confident that the amended indexes will contribute to the overall profitability and sustainability of beef production at farm level and my Department will continue to monitor the impact of the amended indexes on SCEP participants.
622. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an ACRES appeal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54964/23]
View answerThe person named had applied for Tranche 1 of my Department’s agri-environment scheme, ACRES. However, it was noticed by officials that they had been included in the Scheme, but in the incorrect stream. Officials are working on a solution to this case and will be in touch directly with the person named and their approved ACRES advisor, on the next steps to take, once the solution is in place.
623. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not received compensation for flooding in the Shannon Callows. [54965/23]
View answerFollowing exceptional flooding in the Shannon Callows during summer 2023, the Deputy will be aware that on 7 November 2023, I announced the launch of the Shannon Callows Flood Scheme. The aim of the scheme is to support farmers who have lost fodder due to flooding in the region during summer 2023. I have allocated funding of approximately €800,000 which will allow for a payment rate of up to €325 per hectare for LPIS parcels impacted within the Shannon Callows Special Area of Conservation (SAC) as determined by my Department's Area Monitoring System and which were claimed by farmers on their 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application.
My Department have contacted the farmers that the Area Monitoring System has identified as having been impacted by the flooding, providing them with a simple application form for them to sign and return if they wish to apply for the support. Farmers are asked to confirm they have lost fodder as a result of the extended flooding in order to receive payment.
My officials have examined the relevant records of the details supplied and have confirmed that, following a review, an application form issued to the herdowner from the Department for the scheme on 7 December 2023. The farmer should return the form as soon as possible if he wishes to receive financial support under the scheme.
624. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of vacant and derelict properties and sites that are owned by his Department; his plans to bring each of these properties and sites into use; where no plans are in place, the reasons why; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55039/23]
View answerMy Department owns, operates, and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres under statute, Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre, Howth Fishery Harbour Centre, Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre, Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre, Dingle Fishery Harbour Centre and Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre.
The Fishery Harbour Centres contain a diverse property portfolio reflecting their role as working fishery harbours and as the location for a broad range of other marine activities. The total number of properties (excluding infrastructure) across the six Fishery Harbour Centres is 261. There are 16 vacant properties across the six Fishery Harbour Centres. Vacant properties are regularly reviewed by the Department to assess their suitability for making them available for tender to interested applicants and provide rental income for the Fishery Harbour Centres Fund.
Longtown Farm is owned by OPW and is managed by my Department, who is responsible for the properties on the farm. Plans are in place to renovate Longtown Farm Gate Lodge through OPW for use by my Department.
625. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure a BISS payment is issued to persons (details supplied). [55060/23]
View answerAn application for participation in the 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS), Complementary Redistributive Support for Sustainability (CRISS), Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) and ECO schemes was received from the above named applicant on the 13th of April, 2023.
The applicant had a total claim of 35.29 hectares in 2023 but an overclaim existed on one of the land parcels declared. The case was processed on the lower value of 31.58 hectares and the advance and balancing payments have issued on this figure with the associated penalty applied.
My department has received an appeal from the named person. The case will be examined and any information supplied by the applicant will be taken into consideration. Once the review is completed the applicant will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.
626. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline in detail the UK rules that will affect all Irish traders who export to Great Britain commencing 31 January 2024 arising from Brexit negotiations, the analysis, if any, of the impact these will have on supply chains and using the UK as a land bridge to EU markets; the additional cost that these changes will add to agrifood exporters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55063/23]
View answerSince the end of the Brexit transition period the UK has been implementing a phased approach to the introduction of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) import requirements to be applied to agrifood goods from EU. The first phase was introduced on 1 January 2021 with requirements for export certification for some products exported to Great Britain, such as live animals and some high-risk horticulture and forestry products.
The introduction of these controls for other agrifood goods was deferred a number of times in 2021, 2022 and 2023 by the UK Government. The last postponement was announced in August 2023 which saw export certification and border control requirements due to commence from 1 October 2023 deferred to January 2024.
From 31 January 2024 the following requirements will apply for exports to GB:
• Pre-notification of imports by GB importers on the UK’s SPS import system (IPAFFS) will apply to all Irish SPS goods exported to GB and via GB landbridge to EU.
• Export health certification must be provided for goods categorised as medium risk by the UK including meat products, dairy products such as infant formula and products made from raw milk, table eggs, animal feedingstuffs which include animal by-products
A date for the application of Border Control / entry controls at UK ports (identity and physical inspections) for Irish SPS goods moving to GB has not yet been confirmed by UK Government, however these controls will not commence before 31 October 2024 due to preparedness on the UK side at west coast ports. These border controls are due to commence for imports of agrifood goods from the rest of the EU on 30 April 2024.
My Department, as has been the case throughout the Brexit process, continues to support all stakeholders in Ireland-GB agrifood supply chains in preparing to meet these changes to the trading environment.
In respect of the changes which will now apply from 31 January my Department:
• carried out a comprehensive assessment of new UK requirements which has included the revision of certification business processes for each commodity, the development of updated standard operating procedures for certification based on new UK health certificate requirements and carried our detailed surveys of Irish Food Businesses (FBOs) to quantify certification requirements.
• is implementing a targeted communications plan focused on informing all stakeholders of the new UK requirements and timelines;
• is engaging with UK Authorities at technical and strategic level to get clarity on UK approach;
• is implementing a comprehensive staff resourcing plan to support export certification, this includes recruitment and redeployment of veterinary and technical resources;
• is providing detailed training programmes for certifying officers and food businesses;
• is investing in new IT infrastructure to support certification at food businesses around the country;
• will implement a programme of trials with Food Businesses on export certification process;
• is having ongoing detailed engagement via local veterinary supervisory teams with individual food businesses to ensure business processes are in place to deliver certification in the most efficient and sustainable manner.
All of these activities are focused on supporting Irish agrifood exporters in preparing for these significant changes and ensuring any disruption to trade is minimised. My Department will continue to monitor the impacts of these changes once they come into effect from 31 January and will continue to support Irish exporters in meeting any challenges which develop.
