Written Answers Nos. 1203-1222
1203. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications to date in grant aid for cattle underpasses under the TAMS grants scheme; if he will review the technical criteria laid down by his Department in respect of applications submitted under this grant scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56770/23]
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.
A total of 42 applications for underpasses were received under Tranche 1, with an additional 26 underpass applications received to date under Tranche 2, which closes on 19 January 2024.
The provision of an underpass involves the construction of a bridge under a public road. The requirements for the design and construction of an underpass follow the technical requirements of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), which is the Competent Authority for the development of structures in relation to public roads.
It is important that any structure that is grant-aided by my Department is designed and constructed in accordance with best practice laid down by the competent authority, which in this case is TII. It is imperative, therefore, that a Chartered Engineer designing an underpass complies with the full process as outlined by my Department.
1204. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their eco scheme agri-payment. [56771/23]
View answerThe farmer named applied for Eco-Scheme Agricultural Practice 1 Space for Nature Enhanced. My officials are continuing to process outstanding Eco-Scheme applications including the person named to ensure all validations are undertaken before payments issue. Payment for the farmer named will be made shortly once final validation on the herd are complete and clear for payment.
1205. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the amount allocated for payments under the agri-climate rural environment scheme in the 2023 estimates. [56799/23]
View answer1206. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the amount allocated for payments under the agri-climate rural environment scheme in the 2023 supplementary estimates. [56800/23]
View answer1207. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the underspend on the agri-climate rural environment scheme in 2023 to date; and the estimated underspend at the end of 2023. [56801/23]
View answer1208. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the carry-over from 2023 to 2024 for payments under the agri-climate rural environment scheme which fell due to be paid in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56802/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1206, 1205, 1207 and 1208 together.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) was launched in 2022 as the flagship environmental scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027, with a total budget of €1.5 billion.
The funding allocation for the ACRES scheme in 2023 was €160 million (in total, across both ACRES General and ACRES Co-operation streams).
While it was initially planned to take in up to 50,000 applicants over two Tranches, with 30,000 in Tranche 1, as a Government the decision was made to accept all valid applications submitted under Tranche 1. There are currently just under 46,000 farmers actively participating in the scheme. This decision to accept all valid applications for Tranche 1 put significant pressure on the ability to pay all participants in 2023.
ACRES General Payments commenced on December 15th 2023, with 17,145 farmers being paid a total of €76.5 million. This represents two thirds of all ACRES General participants. Due to the additional complexity associated with the Co-operation Project (CP) stream, payments for ACRES CP participants will begin to issue in February 2024..
1210. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the next tranche of ACRES will open, and for how long; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56832/23]
View answerThe second tranche of my Department’s agri-environment scheme, ACRES, opened for the submission of applications on 24th November 2023, and closed on 13th December, 2023. Over 9,200 applications for this tranche were received. The bulk of Tranche 2 applications have been submitted under the ACRES General stream, with thirty percent of applicants applying under ACRES Co-operation.
Tranche 2 applications will be reviewed by my officials in the coming weeks to ensure that they comply with eligibility criteria. Subject to eligibility checks there will be in the region of 4,000 approvals issued over the coming months.
This will bring the total number of farmers supported under ACRES to the 50,000 maximum as outlined in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan.
For Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) the application window will open on an annual basis during the lifetime of the Scheme, along with applications for Landscape Actions (LAs). I will be publicising the opening dates for each in due course.
1211. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the soil sampling submission will begin again, and for how long it will be open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56833/23]
View answerI was delighted to announce last October the opening of the second phase of the Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme. This programme opened for applications on 16th October and closed on 10th November 2023. In total 7,000 applicants were approved to participate in the programme.
The Irish Soil Expert Consortium has commenced soil sampling and aims to get the majority of the farms sampled in quarter 1 of this year. Farms that are not sampled in quarter 1 will be sampled in quarters 3 and 4 of this year.
1212. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if amendments to phytosanitary certification for fresh plant and plant products subject to Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 of 28 November 2019 establishing uniform conditions for the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 as protective measures against plant pests which came into effect on 9 October 2023, are currently being implemented at Irish air and sea ports in order to avoid confusion and uncertainty for importers. [56863/23]
View answerIreland is legally obliged to implement all changes to regulations with effect from the date that they come into force. The changes to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 that came into effect on the 9th of October 2023 related to amending the list of certain protected zones, associated protected zone quarantine pests as well as prohibitions and special requirements for introduction into protected zones. These changes as they relate to Ireland were for renewal of existing protected zone status for Thaumetopoea pityocampa.
The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine continuously engages with stakeholders on plant health related matters, and regional information sessions for stakeholders on plant health regulatory requirements will be held in quarter one and two in 2024.
1213. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider reviewing his Department's recent decision to award ACRES-CP payments to farmers in the scheme in February 2024 instead of December 2023, given that this decision may cause undue financial hardship to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56887/23]
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 in 2022. 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, the decision was made to accept all valid applications submitted, and there are now just under 46,000 farmers actively involved in the Scheme, 18,438 of whom are in the ACRES Co-operation Project (CP) element of the Scheme. As the deputy can appreciate, the decision to accept all eligible applicants put significant pressure on the ability to make an advance payment to all participants by the end of 2023.
My officials have been working to expedite payments, but with the unprecedented numbers, it was not possible to get all participants paid by the end of 2023. There is also additional complexity associated with the CP stream, which means that, while work is progressing on the preparation of payments, these will not begin to issue until February.
I would like to reassure the Deputy that everything is being done to pay, as soon as possible, all ACRES participants who clear pre-payment checks.
1214. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action his Department is taking to improve on the operational efficiency of the rollout of the new targeted agricultural modernisation schemes, given that delays in the roll-out of tranches and approving of on-farm investments can have financial implications for agtech companies providing the product or service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56895/23]
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.
Tranche 1 of TAMS 3 closed on 30 June 2023, with 8,241 applications received across ten separate investment measures. The scheme has proved very popular with this number of applications almost four times the average number of applications received per Tranche under TAMS 2. Applications received across all of the measures in Tranche 1 are currently being processed, with approvals issuing on a daily basis. Applications under Tranche 2 will be processed once the tranche closes on 19 January 2024.
In order to improve the roll out of the scheme I recently announced that, as with Tranche 1, all eligible applications received in Tranche 2 will be approved. Also similar to Tranche 1, those who have applied for mobile investments may proceed with that investment at their own risk before formal approval issues. Finally - and, again, similar to the current arrangements in respect of Tranche 1 - a priority approval mechanism will be available to Tranche 2 applicants who contact their local Department of Agriculture office indicating a need to urgently commence works, particularly in relation to the construction of slurry and manure storage facilities or animal welfare-related investments.
1215. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if due consideration will be given to his Department engaging with stakeholders in the agtech sector in developing a pathway for the inclusion of agtech innovations in TAMS, ACRES and other CAP schemes, and that this pathway would allow for ongoing review of these schemes’ eligibility considerations for new but proven and validated solutions shown to meet the objectives of the schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56896/23]
View answerThere is currently a range of Agtech equipment included in the TAMS 3 schemes, including items such as GPS machinery control, yield monitoring, health and fertility monitoring systems, grass growth monitoring systems, robotic slurry scrapers and automatic calf feeders.
The required validation protocols for new technologies will vary by product and intended usage. Teagasc, the State Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is a recognised and trusted body which undertakes research in the agricultural sector. Companies looking to have their products validated for the Irish market should contact Teagasc to discuss the options for such work to be undertaken.
The list of investments included in TAMS 3 is kept under regular review to ensure that it supports the range of needs on a farm. The inclusion of further investment categories is dependent on the availability of funding for the TAMS 3 schemes.
1216. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action his Department is taking to ensure that other types of incentive schemes to encourage on farm adoption of technology which helps to reduce emissions is being investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56897/23]
View answerAdoption of technologies on farm can help reduce emissions. A number of these technologies are being currently being supported by my Department, particularly under CAP Strategic Plan, while others are cost beneficial in their own right.
Funding from the CAP Strategic Plan has increased the adoption of numerous efficiency measures, including both the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme sucklers (BEEP-S) and the National Dairy Beef Welfare scheme. An equivalent scheme is also available for the sheep sector- the Sheep Improvement Scheme. These schemes support decision making on farms through better quality data that increase economic and environmental efficiency on farms. Further actions specifically focused on reducing on farm emissions are also included in the Eco-Scheme and ACRES including the use of LESS equipment, the use of multispecies and red clover swards, planting of native woodlands and extensive livestock production systems.
Under the Climate Action Plan, a number of measures which reduce emissions but also positively influence productivity and/or financial performance on farm are included. For example, reducing the average finishing age of cattle across the decade through genetic improvement and improving production efficiencies on our farms. Linking the reduction of emissions with increased animal/financial performance will continue to increase adoption rates.
Recent downward trends in fertiliser usage are, I believe, also being driven by economics- the challenge is to consolidate this change for example via the Nitrates Action Programme which includes targets for the reduced use of chemical nitrogen.
The National Biomethane Strategy is being finalised and will provide opportunities for farmers and land owners to convert feedstocks such grass and slurry into a renewable gas which can, in turn, produce heat, electricity or vehicle fuels.
My Department will continuing to invest in research to broaden the options available to farmers to help reduce emissions. For example, research in Teagasc has shown that feed additives can mitigate up to 30% of methane from enteric fermentation, in certain situations. We are continuing to invest in advancing this technology for incorporation into Ireland's pasture-based system of production, hence maximising on farm adoption rates. Teagasc and other advisors will continue to play a significant role in disseminating research around these new technologies to increase uptake among farmers.
1217. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action his Department is taking with regards to the development of agreed validation protocols between agtech innovators and State agencies and other institutions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56898/23]
View answerThere is currently a range of Agtech equipment included in the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) schemes, which provide grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. This includes items such as GPS machinery control, yield monitoring, health and fertility monitoring systems, grass growth monitoring systems, robotic slurry scrapers and automatic calf feeders.
The required validation protocols for new technologies will vary by product and intended usage. Teagasc, the state Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is a recognised and trusted body which undertakes research in the agricultural sector. Companies looking to have their products validated for the Irish market should contact Teagasc to discuss the options for such work to be undertaken.
1218. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if due consideration will be given to the inclusion of marginal agricultural sectors in support policies and schemes, given that these sectors are vital to the diversification aims of both Food Vision 2030 and the National Horticultural Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56900/23]
View answerThe horticulture and poultry sectors make a valuable contribution to Irish agri-food industry as a whole, supporting significant levels of direct and indirect employment as well as their role in supporting the rural economy and the wider national economy. The CSO valued the output of the poultry meat sector at €225.7 million for 2023 and the horticulture sector had a farmgate value of €529 million in 2022, neither of which are considered marginal.
My Department continues to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector and I am acutely aware of the pressures being faced by many in the agri-food sector due to the increase in input costs, exacerbated by the impact of the illegal war in Ukraine. Indeed, I have responded by providing significant supports to the agri-food sector in response to the challenges being faced.
As in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term, hence my Department’s focus on market access and developing market opportunities is key and in line with Food Vision 2030. Poultry is normally reared under contract to processors, for a pre-agreed price, and therefore poultry producers are not typically subject to the same price fluctuations as other farmers.
The horticulture sector is supported through a number of schemes and policy supports including the EU Scheme for Producer Organisations in the Fruit and Vegetable Sector, the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, various Brexit Adjustment Reserve Schemes and the Horticulture Crisis Fund whose payments are due to issue in January 2024. These Schemes collectively represent very significant support for this important sector.
Furthermore, I together with my Ministerial colleague Pippa Hackett, secured €10 million in Budget 2024 to support the continuation of the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector and a further €1.35 million for innovation and diversification in the horticulture sector in response to an opportunity identified in the National Strategy for Horticulture which was published in 2023.
1219. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will list the ongoing research commissioned under the remit of his Department through the North-South Ministerial Council, Shared Island Initiative or through other all-island arrangements; if he will outline the research that has been completed; the date of publication of the research since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56907/23]
View answerGrant awards are made periodically by my Department for ‘public good’ research projects. These projects are undertaken by researchers in eligible Irish Research Performing Organisations following competitive Calls for Research Proposals. The final report of all funded projects is published on my Department’s website.
Some projects may have collaborating research organisations based in Northern Ireland, and since 2015 those organisations participation have been funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Northern Ireland.
The attached table details DAFM funded Research projects (since 2015) which involve collaboration with Northern Ireland. Collating details of projects funded between the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and 2014 would require more time to examine related paper files.
1220. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department’s plans to upgrade its IT infrastructure and improve the online application process for all payment schemes; his plans to implement a system by which applications are assessed to ensure all necessary documentation has been submitted to allow applicants ample opportunity to submit complete applications ahead of deadlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56949/23]
View answerSince the implementation of EU regulations requiring that all applications for direct payments must be received electronically by 2018, my Department has implemented a programme of continuous development and improvement of its application systems. An example of one such improvement is the warning messages to help farmers and advisors where common errors have been detected.
These have expanded significantly over the years, to the extent where the vast majority of schemes can now be applied for through a single portal.
In addition, my Department engages continuously with advisors and farmers to assist them in making applications for schemes and funding through training events, webinars and in-person information meetings, provision of material, youtube videos and one-to-one clinics. My Department also uses SMS text messages where farmers are registered to receive them from the Department to alert them to opening and closing dates.
This year, it is expected that applications for direct payments schemes such as BISS, CRISS, Eco-Schemes and ANC will open on target in February 2024 and the closing date for applications will be 15th May 2024 in line with previous years. This provides ample opportunity for farmers and/or their advisors on their behalf to make their applications before the closing date.
The Department’s IT infrastructure is and will continuously be upgraded as required.
