Written Answers Nos. 31-50
31. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for significant delays in the issuance of ACRES payments to many farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55827/23]
View answerAs the deputy is aware, and in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) was launched last year as a flagship environmental scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 with a budget of €1.5bn over its duration.
It was fantastic and a credit to our farmers to see the exceptional demand for entry into the ACRES Scheme, demonstrating their interest in taking on actions to address climate, biodiversity, and environmental issues.
While it was initially planned to take in applicants in two Tranches, with 30,000 in Tranche 1, in respect of the ambition of our farmers, I made a decision, which was supported by Government to accept all valid applications submitted last year. There are now just under 46,000 farmers actively involved in the Scheme.
I do acknowledge the intensive and focused efforts of all involved in the implementation of the Scheme - of farmers, of advisors, of the ACRES Co-operation Project teams and of officials across Government - who have all been working together on the first year of this new scheme.
However, the decision to accept all applicants into Tranche 1 of ACRES has put significant pressure on the ability to pay all eligible participants in 2023.
I want to further acknowledge that farmers were expecting payment before the end of the year and that my officials have been working to expedite payments, but with the unprecedented numbers, it has not been possible to get all eligible applicants paid in ACRES by the year end.
I want to reconfirm that payments for ACRES General participants will commence on December 18th 2023. Due to the additional complexity associated with the Co-operation Project (CP) stream, payments for ACRES CP participants are being progressed and will begin to issue in February 2024. Everything is being done to pay all ACRES applicants who clear pre-payment checks as a matter of priority.
In response to requests for advance payments, it is important for budgetary and audit purposes, and for farmers themselves, that the correct payment is made at the outset. A once-off or interim payment is not an alternative, as it would undermine the integrity of the ACRES payment system, and any such expenditure would not meet the standards required to access EU funding in accordance with the new performance reporting obligations under the CAP Strategic Plan.
I would also point out that this Government has allocated some €9.8 billion over the next five years through the CSP to farming families and rural communities, to support the production of world class, safe and sustainable food, and to support farmers’ efforts to help us achieve our climate and environment ambitions. ACRES has funding of €1.5 billion over its five-year lifetime, to facilitate the participation of 50,000 farmers.
The structure of ACRES is at the forefront of agri-environmental schemes across Europe. I want to acknowledge the achievements that we have secured to date in scaling a results-based approach up to a national level, building on the success of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) initiative, which farmers have found to be extremely effective and rewarding.
32. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to report on the progress of the delayed biomethane strategy; and if he anticipates it will be published before the end of 2023. [55736/23]
View answerI fully support the Biomethane industry in Ireland and I am hugely optimistic about the potential growth of the industry.
The Government has set the ambition to develop an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) industry in Ireland to deliver up to 5.7 TWh of indigenously produced biomethane per annum by 2030 with an interim target of 1 TWh by 2025. The development of a National Biomethane Strategy was an action announced in Climate Action Plan 23 to guide delivery of this ambitious target.
The development of the Strategy is co-led by my Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. Guidance is provided by a Project Working Group, chaired by my Department, and comprised of stakeholders across government. The objective is to align policy, incentives, regulation, and markets to ensure that the agriculture sector can deliver on its sectoral emissions reduction target, businesses can decarbonise their processes and Ireland can meet its EU renewable heat targets for 2023.
Consultants were procured to support the development of the Strategy and to carry out the necessary stakeholder engagement activities. Over the course of six months, discussions were held with circa 60 consultees across 36 groups, including AD and biomethane developers, state bodies, and both supply and demand side entities. The findings of this extensive stakeholder engagement, alongside desk-based research, is informing the Strategy design which sets out a number of key actions to support delivery.
I am working closely with my counterpart Minister Ryan to ensure this. The Strategy is now at the final stage of development and will be submitted to Government for approval to publish shortly.
33. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 78 of 26 October 2023, for an update on the work of the wool council; if the €30,000 in Departmental funding has been drawn down to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55641/23]
View answerOn the fifth of April 2023, wool sector stakeholders from across the island come together to establish 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.
I also committed the €30,000 in seed funding to help with the set up and established of the Council. I understand that it is expected that the Irish Grown Wool Council will make the first drawdown of this funding in the very near future.
The Irish Grown Wool Council is an independent body with members from both sides of the border and while my Department does not have a seat on the council, my officials are in regular contact with the Council. I have also been informed that the Irish Grown Wool Council intend to hold their AGM early in the new year.
Over time it is envisaged that the council will 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
35. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what steps his Department is taking to address the skills and labour shortages currently facing the agricultural sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55795/23]
View answerThe agri-food sector currently employs almost 165,000 people, representing 6.5% of total employment, of which just over 100,000 are working in primary agriculture. However, many farm holders and their family members work part-time on the land in addition to their main employment and the CSO census in 2020 indicated that there were 278,580 family and regular non-family workers on Irish farms. Ireland is currently very close to full employment with the unemployment rate for November 2023 at 4.8% and this is putting some pressure on attracting and retaining employees.
In sectors such as horticulture, dairy and pig farming, where there has been difficulty recruiting enough labour from within Ireland and the European Economic Area, my Department is working closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) to ensure that there are employment permits made available to recruit additional labour, while recognising that this should be the last resort for filling vacancies. Following a public consultation earlier this year to review the eligibility of occupations for employment permits by DETE, it is expected that further quotas of permits for some occupations in the agriculture sector will be announced shortly.
My Department is also working closely with DETE on the introduction of a seasonal employment permit facility in new employment permit legislation currently before the Oireachtas, with a view to having a pilot seasonal employment permit for the horticulture sector operational in 2025.
Food Vision 2030, our shared stakeholder-led strategy for the future of the agri-food sector includes a goal to “Attract and Nurture Diverse and Inclusive Talent”. This recommends five actions for the sector: employers in the agri-food industry will develop an education, skills and talent attraction and retention strategy; they will ensure decent work and address labour shortages; education and training programmes, including new apprenticeships, will be kept under review to ensure they respond to needs such as in the areas of environmental sustainability; they will promote and improve gender balance at all levels, but particularly at senior management and board level; and they will promote and develop initiatives to improve diversity and inclusion.
I will continue to work closely with the sector and with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to help ensure that there is a vibrant workforce available to drive the agriculture sector.
36. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline in detail the progress that his Department has made to date, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, in the creation of a national biomethane development strategy plan through the new built environment and heat delivery task force; when it is envisaged that this strategy will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55311/23]
View answerI fully support the development of a Biomethane industry in Ireland and I am hugely optimistic about the potential growth of the industry.
The Government has targeted the development of an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) industry in Ireland to deliver up to 5.7 TWh of indigenously produced biomethane per annum by 2030 with an interim target of 1 TWh by 2025. The development of a National Biomethane Strategy was an action announced in Climate Action Plan 23 to guide delivery of this ambitious target.
The development of the Strategy is co-led by my Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. Guidance is provided by a Project Working Group, chaired by my Department, and comprising of stakeholders across government. The objective is to align policy, incentives, regulation, and markets to ensure that the agriculture sector can deliver on its sectoral emissions reduction target, businesses can decarbonise their processes and Ireland can meet its EU renewable heat targets for 2023.
Consultants were procured to support the development of the Strategy and to carry out the necessary stakeholder engagement activities. Over the course of six months, discussions were held with c. 60 consultees across 36 groups, including AD and biomethane developers, state bodies, and both supply and demand side entities. The conclusions of this extensive stakeholder engagement, alongside desk-based research, are informing the Strategy design.
I am working closely with my counterpart Minister Ryan to finalise the strategy . The Strategy is now at the final stage of development and will be submitted to Government for approval to publish shortly.
37. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any consideration or study was undertaken by his Department or any other Department in relation to his recent trip to Korea and the proposed expansion of beef exports, in reference to the climate impact of such an expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51600/23]
View answerThe development of a FoodVision 2030, a 10-year strategy for the agri-food sector is a key commitment of the Programme for Government, which called for an ambitious blueprint for the sector for the years ahead. It has the aim of supporting family farms and employment in rural Ireland and adding value sustainably into the future, with a strategic focus on environmental protection.
Mission 3, Goal 4 of this strategy is to develop market opportunities at home and abroad through increasing efforts to gain and maintain market access for key product categories in priority international markets. Korea was identified as one of these priority markets for beef as a result of a ‘Prioritising Markets: Opportunities for Growth’ exercise, undertaken in conjunction with Bord Bia and industry stakeholders. As such, one of my priorities for the trade mission was to advance the issue of Irish beef access.
Maintaining and building on existing market access will require an intensified programme of inward and outward Government to Government meetings and technical discussions, as well as utilising the network of DAFM attachés located in Irish Embassies across the globe. New markets with different cuisines offer opportunities to add value through the utilisation of the entire cattle carcass. Most importantly this does not mean an increase in beef volume or production. The emphasis here is on added value.
Net global population growing by 80 million people annually. Many of our export markets will have demand for different parts of the animal that are not consumed domestically. This reduces food waste and contributes to global food security.
I am satisfied that the Irish beef sector is well positioned to balance future development with the need for reduced carbon emissions. Beef farm enterprises contribute significantly to the economic sustainability and social fabric of rural areas.
Food Vision 2030 contains several actions to guide stakeholder efforts in the sustainable development of the beef sector. As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland has been successful in accessing and developing new market opportunities both at home and abroad and satisfying consumer demand for food that is safe, nutrient rich and sustainably sourced.
Irish beef exports continue to compete effectively in overseas markets. According to the CSO, Irish beef exports averaged over 500,000 tonnes in the period 2018 to 2022 and were worth, on average, €2.5 billion annually. Putting the beef sector on a more sustainable footing is a key priority of mine. Working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders and across government, I believe that we can build a more resilient beef sector for the current and future generations of farmers.
38. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action his Department is taking to reduce the timeline from when livestock in a herd have been tested and identified positive with tuberculosis and when these animals are removed from the herd, in view that the current average timeline is 17.3 calendar days from the date of test to the date of removal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55312/23]
View answerOne of the primary disease mitigation measures of the bovine TB eradication programme is the routine surveillance of all bovines for the presence of bovine TB through the use of the Single Intradermal Comparative Tuberculin Test, more commonly known as the 'skin test' and, if applicable, the removal of “reactor” animals identified in herds. When an animal is tested for bovine tuberculosis the veterinary practitioner makes two visits on separate days to complete the testing cycle.
My Department is notified of test results by the Private Veterinary Practitioner through the Animal Health Computer System. Once eligible reactors have been identified in a herd, the On Farm Market Valuation (OFMV) process begins. The On Farm Market Valuation Scheme is the principal compensation measure available to farmers who experience a TB breakdown on their herd. The Scheme aims to compensate farmers up to the open market value of an animal as if they were not affected by disease, subject to ceilings. There are a number of steps in the removal process for which farmers and my Department have shared responsibility.
My Department works closely with stakeholders to identify if, and where efficiencies can be made. The following are an example of key functions within the process where my Department make continued improvements ensuring that the appropriate framework supports a timely removals process.
• A Nationwide complement of suitably qualified independent valuers to ensure that valuations are completed efficiently.
• Strict deadlines for independent valuers to communicate their completed valuation reports to both the farmer and my Department for consideration
• The introduction of an electronic submission facility for key documentation allowing the farmer to signal their acceptance/rejection of a valuation.
• A dedicated team liaising with approved slaughter plants/knackeries to arrange for the destruction of animals at the earliest opportunity once a farmer has concluded the valuation process.
• A nationwide network of independent haulage contractors who operate a comprehensive transport network for animals to their relevant approved slaughter plants daily.
To date in 2023, 27,314 animals, which is 20.2% more than the same point in 2022 have been removed as part of the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme. Despite the logistical challenges of removing considerably more animals, my Department officials have managed to reduce the removal time by almost half a day when compared to the same point in 2022. The national average removal time from test to slaughter is now 17.8 days, which has reduced from the 18.2 days recorded at the same point in 2022.
There are circumstances outside of my Departments control where the removal of reactor animals must be delayed, such as appeal cases where either party seeks a second live valuation of the affected animals before their removal, medicated animals who are observing the appropriate withdrawal period, inconclusive animals who may be required to undergo further Gamma Interferon (GIF) blood testing, and those reactor animals who are 90%+ of gestation and on animal health and welfare grounds, cannot be moved until they have calved on farm. All of these circumstances are also accounted for in the average timeframe outlined above.
39. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the possibility of developing, along with other Ministers, a circular compact across the food sector, aimed at designing out the negative environmental features all along the supply chain, from primary production to unnecessary waste. [55783/23]
View answerFood Vision 2030, Ireland’s ten-year stakeholder led strategy for the agri-food sector, has the vision that Ireland will become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) over the next decade. By adopting an integrated food systems approach, the strategy takes a detailed, systematic approach to address each aspect of the environment: climate, ammonia, biodiversity, water, forests, seafood, the bio-economy, food loss and waste, and packaging across all sectors. The strategy promotes collective effort across a range of stakeholders.
On specific collective actions underway, the Environmental Protection Agency launched a revised Food Waste Charter on the 29th June this year, which expanded the Charter to all levels of the agri-food supply chain. This was a key action in the National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap and many government bodies and agencies including Bord Bia, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Teagasc signed up to the Charter. Many of the leading retailers have also signed up to the Charter. I encourage primary producers to do so as well. It is clear therefore that there is immense buy-in and collaboration on the food waste issue.
In addition, the National Bioeconomy Action Plan 2023-2025 provides for a coordinated and coherent approach for management of biobased resources that is aimed at reducing emissions and designing out negative environmental features all along the supply chain, from primary production to unnecessary waste. It also provides a framework for developing innovative opportunities to valorise unavoidable waste to produce biobased products that can reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels, support sustainable food systems approaches, and aid the development of a circular economy.
The bioeconomy action plan could support the implementation of the food waste charter through the Plan's industry and enterprise pillar and thereby aid the alignment of innovation funding, demand side supports and a coordinated approach to enterprise investment to support improved resource efficiency and zero-waste processing of food and biobased resources.
In addition, Origin Green, Ireland’s food and drink sustainability programme run by Bord Bia, enables the food industry to set and achieve measurable sustainability targets that respect the environment and serve local communities more effectively. Addressing the food waste challenge is a key priority for Origin Green manufacturing members under their waste targets.
In regard to supports, my Department through funding the Prepared Consumer Foods Centre supports food businesses to pilot equipment to reduce waste and packaging and also supports the redistribution of food that would otherwise be wasted.
As part of the inter-departmental working group on the implementation of the National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap on which my Department is represented progress on these collaborative efforts will be monitored.
40. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has been monitoring fluctuation in the cost or price of farm fertiliser; and if he will outline the supports there are to support farmers struggling with the cost of fertiliser. [55428/23]
View answerI am acutely aware of the impact input costs have on farmers, their families and businesses. I have supported them through challenging periods and will continue to do so.
The latest CSO agricultural price index for September 2023 shows that there has been a consistent and significant reduction in fertiliser prices during the course of 2023 with prices dropping 45% since September 2022.
The latest price index is at a level approximately 50% of peak prices of April 2022 when the initial effects of the Ukraine war had started filtering through to fertiliser price and availability.
The primary input cost in fertiliser manufacture is the price of gas. Gas prices have come down significantly but not to pre-2022 levels and have now plateaued higher. With European fertiliser production significantly dependent on gas price and supply, volatility in the gas market impacts on the fertiliser market.
The September 2023 price is still some 25% higher than the corresponding date back in September 2021 - before the significant rise in international gas prices and consequential production cost increases.
Irish agriculture is currently focused on improving nutrient use efficiency to improve the recovery of organic manures at farm level while reducing dependency on chemical fertilisers. Our CAP Strategic Plan supports farmers to adjust their farming practices to reduce reliance on chemical fertiliser and to improve use of organic fertiliser.
To support farmers in terms of advice, I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee. Teagasc have also been active in providing advice to farmers.
Over the course of recent years, I instigated a series of targeted interventions to support farmers deal with rising fertiliser prices, including a multi-species sward initiative, a soil sampling and liming initiative as well as Fodder Support Schemes.
I will continue to actively engage with the sector and monitor the situation over the period ahead.
41. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of his Department’s efforts to improve food production sustainability in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55512/23]
View answerFood Vision 2030 is our shared stakeholder-led strategy for the continued development of the agri-food sector in Ireland, with the ambition for Ireland to be a “World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems". A sustainable food system is one that is profitable throughout (economic sustainability); has a positive or neutral impact on the natural environment (environmental sustainability); and has broad based benefits for society (social sustainability).
Food Vision sets out four high-level Missions for all stakeholders to work towards:1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector.2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being.3. Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad.4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent. I am committed to leading on Food Vision as I know that its success depends on effective implementation and oversight. I have established a High Level Implementation Committee and have already chaired eight meetings. I am pleased to say that implementation of Food Vision 2030 is well underway, with many of its actions commenced, including important work on environmental sustainability in the dairy and beef sectors, which are being progressed through specific stakeholder groups.
Among the key achievements to date are:• The development of Sustainability Plans for the Dairy and Beef Sectors.• The work of the Seafood Sector Taskforce.• The publication of Ireland’s Forest Strategy (2023 – 2030).• The publication of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.• Ireland’s participation in the UN Food Systems Summit.• The publication of the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027.• The establishment of the Food Vision Tillage Group.• The launch of a new flagship environmental scheme, ACRES.• The hosting of the first National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture, a report from which will be presented to cabinet very soon. The first Food Vision Annual Report was published in May 2023. In terms of overall progress to date, out of 218 actions across four mission, 14 actions are complete, 108 actions have substantial action undertaken, 92 actions have commenced and are progressing with only four actions not yet commenced. The Irish CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 has the highest ever available budget of €9.8 billion, and more than 60% of that (just under €6 billion) is 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 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 €1.5 billion for a new agri-environment scheme, ACRES, and a five-fold increase in funding for organic farming. I am confident that, with this increased CAP funding, and Food Vision 2030 as a strategic framework, Ireland’s agri-food sector is well placed to achieve its ambition to become a world leader in sustainable food systems.
42. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers participating in suckler beef support schemes in 2020; the number participating currently; his proposals to improve participation; and the impact he believes recent beef index changes will have on suckler farmers. [55509/23]
View answerIn recognition of the importance of the suckler sector, I was delighted to secure funding for both the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) and the National Beef Welfare Scheme (NBWS) in 2023. These schemes, which have 17,610 and 16,424 participants respectively, ensured that I was able to provide a payment of €200 per suckler cow to protect beef farmer incomes this year. I was delighted to continue this funding into 2024 with over €100m directly targeted at livestock farmers.
The precursor schemes operational in 2020 - the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) and Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme – Sucklers (BEEP-S) had a roughly similar aggregate budget. The BDGP had 23,914 participants and 24,400 farmers joined the BEEP-S. A third scheme, the Beef Finisher Payment scheme with 27,200 participants, was implemented in 2020 as a temporary support for beef finishing enterprises severely impacted by adverse economic effects stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic.
I am very satisfied with the participation rates having regard to the voluntary nature of these supports and the need for increased ambition in measure design to meet climate change targets for the agri-food sector. I would also point out that the Teagasc farm income projections for 2023 and 2024 show increases for suckler farmers in both years due to the scheme supports available amongst other things.
As part of its remit, ICBF recently updated its beef breeding indices primarily to take account of changing economic drivers such as feed costs and beef prices. This is entirely a matter for the ICBF and I understand that the new economic values are more representative of the impact that advances in production traits have on the profitability of Irish suckler beef production systems. The rationale for updating the indices is that it will assist suckler farmers to breed animals which will generate a higher profit.
With regard to the impact of the changes for suckler farmers, I understand that 84 percent of previously rated 4 or 5-star animals retain their status after the updates. Of the remaining percentage previously evaluated as 4 or 5-star animals, roughly equal numbers will increase and decrease in status. However, some individual animals will change status within herds and all farmers should check their herd evaluations. For the purposes of compliance with SCEP, if an animal’s breeding index is increased to a 4- or 5-star rating, it will become eligible for SCEP compliance calculations but an animal with a downgraded rating has no negative effect for the herdowner because it is already counted as eligible for scheme purposes.
I am advised that ICBF has communicated extensively with producers to explain the changes to the indices. Furthermore, ICBF has committed to convening an industry stakeholder forum to address issues and concerns raised by suckler farmers and pedigree breeders which I very much welcome. The revision of the indices is a matter for ICBF but my Department will continue to monitor the impact of the index changes on suckler farm enterprises and scheme participation closely.
43. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the research being carried out into possible uses for wool, which at present hardly pays for the shearing costs although it has huge possibilities for a multiplicity of uses because of its natural qualities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55633/23]
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.
On the fifth of April 2023, the Irish Grown Wool Council was established. This is an independent stakeholder-led Council comprising of stakeholders from across the wool sector including primary producers, farming organisations and industry representatives from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Irish Grown Wool Council works closely with the Wool Research and Innovation Hub. The Wool Hub includes researchers from all across the island and is being led by the Circular Bio-economy Cluster Southwest at Munster Technological University (MTU). The aim of the Wool Hub is to support the Irish Grown Wool Council in conducting research and innovation to deliver products to market and aid commercialisation ultimately adding value right across the supply chain from farm to end product.
The deputy can obtain details from the Irish Grown Wool Council directly by contacting irishgrownwoolcouncil@gmail.com.
44. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason organisations in Carlow were not included on the list of funding for animal welfare charities announced recently. [55639/23]
View answerIn July this year, I launched the call for applications for the Animal Welfare Grants Programme for Registered Animal Welfare Charities. There were 103 applications received this year for funding to assist with their welfare activities in 2024. There were no applications received from welfare charities based in Carlow.
On the 7th of December, I announced funding of €6 million to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide, through the Animal Welfare Grants Programme. This is the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by my Department.
Awards are made on the basis of objective criteria which are reviewed on an annual basis. The awards align with the goals set out in my Department's animal welfare strategy, which I published in 2021.
This year, there is an additional focus on supporting charities involved in rehoming dogs. I recognise that 2023 has been a particularly challenging year in terms of dog welfare and for those working to rescue, protect and rehome dogs. The grants reflect this and will enable these organisations to continue to deliver on the rescue and rehoming of dogs throughout 2024.
In addition, again this year, the awards also supported the provision of education and knowledge sharing to the public on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Raising public awareness on responsible pet ownership and highlighting the many challenges and responsibilities that come with owning a pet will help reduce the number of animals being surrendered.
Finally, I’d like to acknowledge the important work carried out, often in very challenging circumstances, by animal welfare organisations and their dedicated volunteers and staff across Ireland. Animal welfare charities play a crucial role in helping animals in need, educating people, and raising public awareness about improving animal welfare. The grants provided will support Animal Welfare charities with their dedicated work throughout 2024.
45. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will advise on plans to change existing rules around herd owners and herd keepers, given the impact the current process has on women in agriculture and young farmers in farm partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55408/23]
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 stakeholders.
46. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will detail the research being undertaken into the quantification and reward of environmental services generated by actions at farm level to allow water tables rise on organic soils, to switch from livestock to forestry; and whether this can lead to a more extensive financial framework than the present ACRES scheme. [55782/23]
View answerRewarding ecosystem services through Carbon Farming is an important enabler for the agriculture and land use sectors to meet our climate targets. As set out in the most recent Climate Action Plan (2023), I have committed to the development of an enabling framework which can potentially reward farmers and landowners engaged in emission mitigating and carbon removal activities.
Research is key to developing a carbon farming model in Ireland. To that end, I have provided funding for initiatives such as the establishment of the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory (NASCO), the Pilot Soil Sampling Programme, and the Farm Environmental Scheme along with several European Innovation Partnership (EIP) research projects, to provide the required data for the development of future policy options in this area. An example is the RePEAT project working to accurately identify the extent of organic soils under agricultural management. Investment in European Innovation Projects in the Midlands is developing a results-based agri-environmental model to reward farmers for implementing sustainable management practices on Peat soils.
Under the Just Transition Fund 2021-2027, my Department has allocated €15m funding for a Midlands Carbon Catchment Study. The study will seek to research innovative ways of reducing emissions from organic soils by working with farmers at a catchment level to test new and novel ways of alternative, sustainable land management, and to explore new economic models such as carbon farming.
Furthermore, my Department is supporting the Digital Sustainability Platform (AgNav) in co-operation with Teagasc, the Irish Cattle Breeding Association (ICBF) and Bord Bia. This is a new digital platform to facilitate a robust whole farm sustainability assessment and “counting” of carbon emissions and removals. Platforms such as this can underpin the adoption of a Carbon Farming Framework in Ireland and can showcase how best practice management techniques can be adopted on a wide range of enterprises and soil types.
47. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 16 November 2023, the status of plans for the introduction of measures to protect the sprat fishery, which is concentrated within the six-nautical-mile zone; if he has received the updated scientific advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara to date; his plans for the publication of this advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55642/23]
View answerFurther to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 16 November 2023, I remain committed to ensuring inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels and my Department has sought up-to-date scientific and economic advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, respectively, on trawling in the waters inside the six nautical miles. Once those reports are finalised and policy options are identified by my Department, I can proceed with a public consultation. I look forward to receiving policy options from my Department for consideration in due course.
48. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the proposal to bring forward a solution for the group known as ‘forgotten farmers’, given details of the scheme were supposed to be published in quarter 1 of 2023 and a further follow-up was promised in May 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55409/23]
View answerI have long supported the cohort of farmers known as the forgotten farmers and have committed to supporting them.
My Department developed a preliminary outline of a proposal to provide support to the forgotten farmer group. Work continues on addressing a number of issues, such as the funding required and consistency with public expenditure, before the details of the eligibility requirements and benefits to successful applicants under the scheme can be finalised. Details of the scheme will be made available as soon as this process has been completed.
I am committed to delivering for these farmers, many of whom find themselves in this situation through no fault of their own, at the earliest opportunity.
50. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what engagements he and his officials had with meat and dairy industry lobbyists in relation to his attendance at COP28; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55787/23]
View answerMy Programme for COP did not include any formal engagements with meat and dairy industry lobbyists nor was there any consultation with these groups on my attendance at COP in advance of travel.
While in Dubai, I did greet attendees from Ireland which included representatives from NGOs and farm organisations.
I attended COP to participate in a series of events highlighting the importance of Sustainable Food Systems. This is the first time the COP Presidency has prioritised the link between climate policy and the food system, and as a food producing nation, it is critically important that Irish agriculture and food is presented on the world stage.
At the Conference I took every opportunity to ensure that the proactive work that Irish farm families and our food companies are doing in support of the environment, biodiversity and emissions reductions is recognised. It is important to collaborate internationally to achieve emission reductions from agriculture but what is also really important is that the massively important role that farmers play - of actually producing food - is recognised also.
With a growing global population, countries that can produce livestock, beef, lamb and dairy products really well need to continue to produce that food in a system that is seeing emissions reduce. Ireland is one of those countries.
I held a series of important bilaterals at COP and these engagements were an important opportunity to highlight the considerable work being done in Ireland to address the challenges of climate change and food security through innovation and systemic change. I co-hosted an event with the COP Presidency, UAE, entitled “A Sustainable Food Systems Approach to Innovation for Climate Action” and also participated in the event hosted by the United States Chamber of Commerce, “Reducing Methane from Food and Agriculture”.
Through sharing our experience, we hope to play a key role in the global transformation of food systems which will be of benefit to all.
