Written Answers Nos. 51-68
51. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether any assessment has been carried out into the effect of land abandonment in Ireland; the amount of land now not been actively used or farmed; the possible negative impact it could have on the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55632/23]
View answerIn 2022, my Department completed a detailed study of abandoned lands that were declared as farmed as part of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). Of the close to 1.2 million parcels declared as part of BPS only a very small number of parcels (<100) were found to be fully abandoned, with no farming activity taking place in the parcel. Based on these figures, it would be fair to say that instances of land abandonment are very low, almost negligible.
The abandonment of land even at very low instances has important consequences.
Many habitats in the Irish landscape require management in some form to thrive, such as meadows. Land abandonment, however small, can lead to the loss of diverse habitats and the loss of supporting habitats for flora and fauna. This is particularly significant for those species with specific lifecycle needs. Land abandonment can result in a decline in species diversity and loss of landscape diversity leading to disruption in natural processes.
Lands that are abandoned can be prone to soil sedimentation leading to impacts on water quality, the spread of invasive species and the loss of important sites for migratory species.
For my Department, it is important to recognise and support high nature value farming and extensive farmers and to ensure their vital roles as land managers is economically and socially sustainable in order to support their ongoing work to maintain environmental sustainability.
52. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way he is supporting Coillte in its new Forestry Strategy and Strategic Vision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55638/23]
View answerIn April 2022 Coillte launched a new and ambitious strategic vision for its future forest estate, which aims to sustainably balance and deliver the multiple benefits of Ireland’s state forests across four strategic pillars: Climate, Nature, Wood and People. These four strategic pillars are fully aligned with my Department's recently published Forest Strategy for Ireland.
Following consultation on the strategic vision, feedback was considered and incorporated into the design of a more detailed draft Forest Estate Strategic Land Use Plan (FESLUP).
The FESLUP, accompanied by the SEA and AA reports, was made available on the Coillte website for a six-week period of consultation, which closed on the 26th of October 2023. My Department made a submission to Coillte as part of this public consultation.
This submission notes the ambitious afforestation objectives of Coillte. It also acknowledges that the FESLUP aligns with the goals and objectives of Ireland's Forest Strategy in relation to emissions reductions in the Land Use, Land-use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. It welcomes the ambition in relation to "Forests for Wood" and the emphasis of the strategy on the importance of harvested wood products and its potential to decarbonise the built economy.
I am fully supportive of the FESLUP and welcome the proposed multi-functional aspects of forestry to provide environmental benefits to rural communities and to society, alongside any economic returns. I am also cognisant that the FESLUP must take account of the Shareholder Letter of Expectation in the context of Coillte's statutory responsibilities, Coillte's constitution and the Government's overall policy objectives for Coillte.
In addition to having in place written agreements with Coillte, I am aware that there is regular dialogue between my Department and Coillte.
I am also fully committed to ensuring that there are robust and effective governance arrangements in place with all State bodies under my aegis.
53. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will instruct his Department to make interim, part payments immediately to farmers in ACRES tranche one, following the announcement by his Department that it will not pay monies out on this scheme until February 2024, in view of farmers’ reliance on the scheme payments to pay end-of-year bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55791/23]
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, 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.
54. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the introduction of an emergency fund for the brown crab and shrimp sector in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55809/23]
View answerI met recently with representatives of the inshore fleet and am aware of the challenges facing this sector at the moment. My Department has provided a range of supports to our fishing fleet over recent years, funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR), including a specific scheme targeted at the inshore fleet. My Department will continue to provide supports to this fleet segment as further schemes are developed and implemented under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) over the coming years.
There is currently no Commission implementing decision in place under Article 26(c) of EMFAF that would allow aid to be provided in respect of the current difficulties being faced by this sector. However, significant work is ongoing between my Department and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) to develop and implement schemes under EMFAF to support the fleet directly, such as a new Sustainable Fisheries Scheme. These will be in place in early 2024. In addition, BIM, the Marine Institute and Bord Bia have been implementing work programmes funded under EMFAF, which provide a wide range of supports necessary for the ongoing development of the sector, such as data collection, research and promotion and marketing of Irish seafood.
I am aware of particular concerns in the sector regarding brown crab stocks around our coast, and I have requested a Working Group be set up, facilitated by BIM, to review of the management of the Irish brown crab fishery and to identify measures that could be introduced to support the sustainability of brown crab stocks. I expect that recommendations will be made to me in due course on proposed management measures in respect of the brown crab fishery.
It is vital that, in addition to funding supports, we also work to identify and develop new markets for this fleet segment. As such, I participate in an ongoing programme of trade missions and promotional activities to enhance the continuing efforts of Bord Bia and industry in marketing Ireland's high quality and sustainable seafood and agri-food produce in key priority markets such as China, South East Asia and West Africa and to a number of key European markets, all of which are priority growth targets for Ireland’s seafood and agri-food export sectors.
In the domestic market, Bord Bia commenced an Irish seafood advertising campaign for four weeks on 4th December. This campaign includes radio advertising and social media activity, which feature a series of Irish seafood recipe adverts on Bord Bia’s media channels. The species in this promotion are Irish crab, salmon, trout, langoustines, haddock, monkfish and oysters. This will increase the profile for Irish seafood in the run up to Christmas and should drive preferences for Irish seafood and increase consumption in the home market.
55. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the process for investigating complaints received in respect of reported breaches of animal welfare regulations during shipments of live animals to third countries. [55709/23]
View answerAll complaints or allegations concerning animal welfare during transport are examined and evaluated by my Department.
Where there are grounds to suspect that a breach of legislation may have taken place, my Department investigates by gathering and analysing data and establishing the facts. In the case of live animals being exported to third countries this may involve sending formal communications to animal transport operators involved, seeking return of key data, and / or to the authorities of countries of transit or destination asking for their observations or passing on details to them to facilitate their own investigations.
Once all relevant facts and data are in the possession of the Department, they are analysed in light of legislative provisions to determine whether they amount to evidence that a breach of relevant legislation has taken place, and if so, the nature of such a breach. The quality of evidence must also be considered, as must any evidence indicating the degree of culpability of individuals or companies in any suspected breaches of animal welfare rules.
If there is sufficient evidence to establish that non compliance with or a breach of animal welfare regulations has occurred then appropriate sanctions will be applied. These sanctions may vary from administrative sanctions to criminal prosecution depending on the nature of the breach of the regulations.
56. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on his Department’s programme for Government commitments in relation to animal welfare; if he will provide an overview of the progress made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55297/23]
View answerSignificant progress has been made in progressing animal welfare commitments under the Programme for Government 2020.
The commitment to double grant funding to animal welfare charities has been met and exceeded. Last week, I announced record funding of almost €6 million to 101 charities nationwide.
The number of urban horse projects continues to grow, with an additional programme introduced in Mayo. Indeed, in October, officials in my Department hosted a dedicated Urban Horse Projects Seminar for local authorities and a broad range of stakeholders to encourage greater participation in these projects.
My Department has taken the lead on establishing an inter-departmental group on exotic animals to ensure a coherent national approach to policy and regulation. This group is progressing well and met again last month to continue their deliberations.
Promotion of responsible pet ownership is high on my Department's agenda. As committed to in my Department's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, my Department established the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare which advises me on initiatives to promote responsible pet ownership in Ireland. In 2024, my Department, in conjunction with Department of Rural and Community Affairs, will undertake a national campaign to promote responsible pet ownership in Ireland.
Finally, in upholding the EU Pigs Directive, officials in my Department continue to conduct inspections on a large scale. Implementation of the Pig Welfare Intact Tails Inspection Programme is ongoing. Teagasc has also developed a new facility in Moorepark with the aim of rearing pigs with long tails, reducing emissions and increasing pig welfare.
I am satisfied that the animal welfare commitments contained in the Programme for Government are being successfully delivered by my Department.
57. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline his position on including the food system in the Global Stocktake documents discussed at COP28; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55788/23]
View answerIreland is a leading voice in advocating for global food systems transformation, based on an appreciation of the central importance of farming, fishing and food production to rural and coastal communities and of course to global food security. The urgency to transform our agri-food systems in a holistic way cannot be understated. We must strive for a resilient model which is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable; a model that provides healthy affordable diets for all. My Department has strongly supported the UN Food Systems Summit process and are working with partners globally to promote sustainable food systems approaches. COP28 has now put food systems transformation on the global climate agenda as more than 152 world leaders have endorsed the Declaration on “Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action”, including An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. 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 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.
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. 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 and lead to more sustainable outcomes. 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”. Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s stakeholder strategy for the agri-food sector, was developed using a food systems approach, linking policies for food, agriculture, health and the environment. Implementation of Food Vision 2030 is underway, with the vision of Ireland becoming a “World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”, encompassing environmental, economic and social sustainability. Ireland is seeking to become a global leader of innovation for sustainable food and agriculture systems, producing safe, nutritious, and high-value food, while protecting and enhancing its natural and cultural resources and contributing to vibrant rural and coastal communities and the national economy. I will continue to promote food systems transformation both in Ireland and in our bilateral and multilateral engagements internationally.
58. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the reasons for the delay to ACRES payments; the steps he is taking to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55814/23]
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.
59. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update regarding the work done by the agriculture water quality working group in relation to the nitrates directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55699/23]
View answerIn May of this year, I established the Agriculture Water Quality Working Group consisting of stakeholders and representatives across Ireland’s agri-food industry to work collaboratively and constructively across three objectives:
(1) to connect farmers and local water quality data;
(2) to improve compliance with and enforcement of current regulations and;
(3) to develop actions and measures for this year’s Nitrates Action Programme review that will support the objective of improved water quality.
The Working Group has met on ten occasions to date including a meeting with Commissioner Sinkevicius during his visit to Ireland on the 23rd of November.
In July, the Group participated in a workshop to scope out issues and actions to underpin the objectives listed with a view to improving water quality.
The Group has now been tasked with bringing forward proposals to improve water quality and strengthen Ireland’s case for a nitrates derogation post-2025.
At it's most recent meeting last week, the Group was presented with new research from Teagasc, which has the potential to give farmers a degree of flexibility in how it can manage the transition to lower derogation limits without impacting negatively on water quality.
At its upcoming meeting, the Group will further consider Teagasc’s research findings, the recommendations from the Nitrates Expert Group and the Group's own suggested measures for the Interim Review of the Nitrates Action Programme.
The views of the Agriculture Water Quality Working Group along with the Nitrates Expert Group's recommendations will inform my Department’s position on the measures being brought to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with a view to securing agreement on what actions should be brought forward for Appropriate Assessment of the Interim Review.
60. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he acknowledges the current immense pressures being exerted on the family farm model; what measures his Department intends to take to ensure viability of the family farm going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55792/23]
View answerOur family farms have demonstrated their adaptability and resilience, in the face of huge challenges in recent years, continuing to deliver safe and nutritious food for Irish and international markets. I am however acutely aware of the difficulties facing family farms as a result of these challenges.
Last month Teagasc announced their National Farm Survey (NFS) income estimates for 2023 and forecast for 2024. We are all aware that 2023 has been a challenging year, with increased input prices and decreases in output prices, especially the milk price.
Following record income on dairy farms in 2022 (when income was up 50%), average income in 2023 is estimated to have decreased by 60%.
This decrease in income is similar for tillage farmers, who have faced very difficult growing conditions, with lower prices on top of increased input prices.
I was pleased to see that my ongoing support for suckler and sheep farmers has contributed to an increase in their income this year.
Looking ahead to 2024, it is good to see the recovery forecast in dairy and tillage incomes, as well as a rise in drystock income. The forecast reduction in input prices and rise in output prices will see a return back towards the average levels of income seen for a number of years before 2023.
In Budget 2024, I secured gross funding of €1.94 billion for my Department, with a number of specific measures to support our farm and fishing families. This funding supports the sector’s environmental ambition and on-farm sustainability, while at the same time supporting farmer incomes and providing vital infrastructure to support the development of our fishing sector and coastal communities. Budget 2024 supports farm families as we implement the targeted supports for farmers provided in the largest ever €10 billion CAP Strategic Plan (CSP). A number of the measures announced in the budget are:
• Over €100m in supports for Beef and Sheep sectors (€200/cow; €20/ewe).
• Over €700 million in funding in 2024 for agri-environment initiatives.
• €8m in targeted support for Tillage farmers.
• Key agri-taxation supports secured and land leasing targeted at active farmers.
• Expanding ACRES to accommodate the full 50k participants promised under the CSP.
• €57m allocation to support Organic farmers.
• €110m in funding provided to drive ambitions of the Forestry Programme.
• €6.5m dairy beef scheme.
• Continued support for coastal communities through investment in fisheries harbours and community piers.
Of course, the Budget figure excludes almost €1.2 billion paid directly through EU schemes, bringing total expenditure for 2024 to some €3.1 billion. In 2022 Irish farms received an average of €18,948 in direct payments to assist in the viability of their farms.
Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, puts farmers and fishers, as our primary producers, at its core. Maintaining the model of family farming is a stated ambition.
I will continue to support our family farms who I firmly believe are the backbone of Irish Agriculture as I have done in the past.
61. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the ACRES scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55644/23]
View answerIn line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a flagship environmental scheme, namely, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), was launched last year. There was exceptional demand for entry into the Scheme, which demonstrates the interest of farmers to take 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, as a Government the decision was made to accept all valid applications submitted, and there are now just under 46,000 farmers actively involved in the Scheme.
The decision to accept all 46,000 applicants has put significant pressure on the ability to pay all participants in 2023.
As is the case with all EU co-funded schemes, all ACRES applications must pass regulatory controls and validations before payment can issue. Validations are currently being carried out and officials have been working to expedite payments, but with the unprecedented numbers, it has not been possible to get all participants paid in ACRES by the year end.
Payments will commence on December 18th, with two thirds of all ACRES General participants in the final stages of being processed for payment in the initial payment run. ACRES General payments will continue to issue on an ongoing basis as cases are cleared for payment. Due to the additional complexity associated with the co-operation (CP) stream, payments for ACRES CP participants are being progressed and will begin to issue in February 2024.
A Frequently Asked Questions document has been circulated to CP Teams and approved ACRES advisors, and is published on the Department’s website.
Everything is being done to pay, as soon as possible, all ACRES participants who clear pre-payment checks.
The same three-step application process that was required in Tranche 1 is also required for application to Tranche 2. The application process opened on Wednesday, 22nd November 2023, and fully completed applications, had to be submitted by approved ACRES advisors by 5.30pm yesterday, 13th December 2023. The final number of applicants is currently being compiled.
My intention is to deliver on the Government's commitment to have 50,000 farmers participating in ACRES, which means that an additional 4,000 farmers will be accepted into the second tranche of the scheme. In the event of over-subscription to Tranche 2, a ranking and selection process will be applied based on the extent of the environmental benefit to be delivered.
63. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on ensuring that women in agriculture and young farmers can take part in knowledge transfer groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55406/23]
View answerThe new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has brought a new approach to knowledge transfer (KT) – the new system is more targeted, with equal emphasis on CAP objectives and local needs.
An example of this is that each participant will have an annual one-to-one planning meeting with the KT Facilitator, using the farmer’s Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS) application so that the knowledge transfer can be applied to the goals of that farm and crucially can be evaluated in future years.
This new KT Programme is far more tailored to the individual farm and targeted to local needs in accordance with the regulations.
The Knowledge Transfer (KT) Programme 2024-2026 was opened for group applications from 25 September to 19 November 2023. The Programme will be delivered by an approved network of KT Facilitators, with herd owners participating in the Programme.
The terms and conditions of the Programme set out that the participant must attend the group meetings and one-to-one meetings and submit the annual online form. It also states that the participant must have an active business ID such as a herd number, Registered Farm Partnership (RFP) or Company ID, they must have submitted a BISS application in 2023, and must also submit a BISS application in each year of the Programme. They must apply under the herd number used to submit their BISS application.
Participants shall apply for the Programme using the herd number under which their BISS application is made, except for Registered Farm Partnerships. Where participants are members of a Registered Farm Partnership applications must be made under the individual herd numbers. For single herd partnerships or joint ventures one Participant can apply, that participant is decided upon by the persons on the herd number. For multi-herd partnerships the number of Participants will be determined by the number of herd owners. Herd keepers cannot submit BISS applications and therefore do not meet the eligibility criteria for this Programme. The terms and conditions do not impose any restrictions on participants based on age or gender.
64. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline Ireland’s experience in moving to sustainable food systems, as claimed at an event where he spoke in the UAE recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55786/23]
View answerWhile Ireland’s agrifood system is amongst the best and most sustainable in the world, we recognise that we must strive for further transformation. Ireland’s agri-food strategy, Food Vision 2030, was developed by the Irish agri-food sector for the sector, adopting a food systems approach, with an ambition for Ireland to be a “World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems” and sets out four high-level missions for the sector to work towards:
1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being3. Food that is Safe, Nutritious And Appealing, Trusted And Valued at Home and Abroad4. An Innovative, Competitive & Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology & Talent.
Each of these missions has ambitious goals rooted in a strongly practical approach to what needs to be achieved for future environmental, economic and social sustainability.In 2021 Ireland was one of the first countries to submit a national food system transformation pathway, Food Vision 2030, to the United Nations Food Systems Summit. Since then, we have been promoting food systems transformation in Ireland and in our bilateral and multilateral engagements internationally, including COP 28 and the FAO World Food Forum in September.It is acknowledged that agriculture is a part of the solution to address urgent climate change and biodiversity loss. There is significant activity by farmers already underway in Ireland and we will do more. The Irish CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 has the highest ever available budget of €9.8 billion. 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. Ireland’s pasture-based livestock farming and improving our overall sustainability can do a lot to contribute to climate mitigation. Irish Agriculture has many natural advantages in terms of food production, in particular, a 9-month outdoor grazing season which is very rare internationally, in what is an increasingly global food supply system, but we know we can improve even more. We are therefore at the forefront of research nationally and internationally, driving innovation, and working with farmers and food businesses to support implementation on farms and across the value chain. We recognise that we must strive for further transformation. I will continue to lead the sector in achieving its high-level missions and its Food Vision ambition to be a “World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”.
65. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the new TAMS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55643/23]
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. There is an indicative budget of €370 million available for the period 2023-2027, and all investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.
Overall, the scheme has proven very popular. Tranche 1 of TAMS 3 closed on 30 June 2023, with 8,241 applications received across ten separate investment measures (almost four times the average number received per tranche under TAMS 2). Applications received across all of the measures in Tranche 1 are currently being processed. Once the initial processing is completed, all applications are subject to a ranking and selection process, which is a regulatory requirement for all TAMS 3 applications.
To assist farmers that required the construction of slurry and manure storage facilities, or urgent animal welfare-related investments for the winter of 2023/2024, I provided a priority access facility, and all applications received under this facility have now been assessed. Approvals have now issued to 252 of these eligible priority access cases, and my Department has also been in contact with farmers where there is a query on their application in order to resolve the query before approval can issue.
Non-priority approval letters for Tranche 1 applications have now commenced, starting with the Solar Capital Investment Scheme. It is anticipated that the majority of approvals under Tranche 1 will issue by April 2024, as announced earlier this week.
To address the issue where approval is required urgently, my Department is putting in place a mechanism that will allow applicants or their advisors, who have an urgent need to commence works to contact their Department of Agriculture local office. Their application will then be assessed to determine if there is an urgent need to issue approval, and prioritised accordingly.
More than 50% of all investments under Tranche 1 are in respect of mobile equipment. Applicants may purchase the mobile equipment, at their own risk, subject to verification of eligibility in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the relevant schemes.
I also announced previously that 100% of eligible applications under tranche 1 of TAMS 3 will be approved for funding, which is in keeping with my commitment to assist farmers to address animal welfare, climate and sustainability targets.
Finally, I can confirm that, as announced earlier this week, Tranche 2 of TAMS 3, which is currently open for applications, will close on 29 Friday 15 December at 5pm. Tranche 3 of the scheme will open on Monday 18 December and close Friday 12 April 2024 at close of business. This will ensure that applications received since the tranche opened in July can be proceeded with as efficiently as possible, and to ensure that those who need to carry out works in a timely manner in 2024 can be processed, including by according them the necessary priority.
66. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what supports are in place to assist farmers trading with the UK with new export rules coming into effect on 31 January 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55560/23]
View answerFrom 31 January 2024 UK Government has confirmed that the following requirements will apply for exports of agri-food goods from EU including Ireland to Great Britain (GB):
• prenotification 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 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
My Department, as has been the case throughout the Brexit process, continues to support all stakeholders in Ireland-GB agri-food supply chains, including farmers, 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 exporting to GB;
• 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 in January 2024.
• 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 agri-food exporters in preparing for these significant changes and ensuring any disruption to trade is minimised. It is important that all businesses including farm businesses exporting to GB engage with these preparatory activities.
In addition as part of the Government's response to challenges arising from Brexit my Department has also put in place a number of measures to support and enhance the resilience and competitiveness of Irish agri-food producers. This includes supports for livestock sector via the National Beef Welfare Scheme, National Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme as well the Bovine Genotyping Programme and a number of schemes to support the horticulture sector including specific measures for the mushroom and potato sectors.
The Department in conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), also launched the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme in October 2021. The scheme provides loans to Brexit-impacted Irish businesses for working capital, investment and re-financing.
My Department will continue to monitor the impacts of Brexit changes on Ireland-GB trading environment including those which come into effect from 31 January and support Irish exporters in meeting any challenges which develop.
67. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement he has had with his EU counterparts on requiring all farm vehicles sold in the community to be supplied with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51463/23]
View answerFatal incidents on farms account for over 40% of all workplace fatal incidents with an average of 19 farm fatalities each year over the last 10 years. Farm vehicles and machinery account for over half of these farm fatalities.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems is relevant in the agriculture sector, since it can reduce demanding and repetitive tasks while increasing precision and productivity. For example, GPS controlled sprayers help in the more precise application of pesticides, thereby reducing pesticide use and minimising operator exposure. Tractors can also be equipped with advanced safety features which minimise the risk of incidents.
GPS steering control for tractors and GPS ready sprayers and fertiliser spreaders are grant aided under TAMS. These grant aided investments, increase efficiency, help reduce the usage of fertiliser and pesticides and include features which help improve safety.
Many of the standards applicable to tractors are Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) standards rather than EU standards. My Department will continue to monitor developments in relation to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems which will include future engagement at both an EU and OECD level.
As you are aware, farmer safety is a priority for me and my Ministerial Colleague Martin Heydon TD who has special responsibility in this area. We very much welcome the development and introduction of technologies which improve farm safety and help reduce the number of fatal and life changing incidents on Irish farms every year.
68. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what measures are being taken to address the issue under the sheep improvement scheme 2023, in particular hill flocks and the scanning criteria timeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55559/23]
View answerThe Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) is funded under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan. It provides support to sheep farmers for carrying out actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector and builds on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare Scheme (SWS), which has now come to an end.
The first year of this 5-year scheme will run from the 1st February 2023 to the 31st of December 2023
Officials in my Department became aware of an issue affecting Hill Flock participants, who normally scan in January each year, that selected the scanning action for the scheme. Following consultation with the farm organisations my Department wrote to all affected participants in February 2023 affording them the opportunity to deselect scanning and select a different action for Year 1 of the scheme. From Year 2, affected applicants can revert to scanning as there will be a change to the scheme year for the SIS.
With effect from Year 2 (2024), the SIS scheme will run from the 1st of January to the 31st of December annually which should resolve the issue of hill sheep farmers wishing to opt for the scanning option.
