Anne Rabbitte
Question:955. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the TAMS application made by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14032/24]
View answerAgriculture Schemes
Questions (955)
Written answers
The above named applied for grant aid for an Auto Washer for a milking machine under the Dairy Equipment Scheme, which is a measure under TAMS 3, on 30 June 2023. This application has been approved, and an approval letter to proceed with the investment issued on 26 January 2024.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (956)
Peter Burke
Question:956. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a TAMS 3 grant will be paid to a farmer (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14045/24]
View answerWritten answers
The person named submitted an application on 14 December 2023 for a slurry tanker and trailing shoe under the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme, which is a measure under TAMS 3.
This application has passed all the initial administrative checks and has now proceeded for further technical checks at the local regional office. I would advise that, as this is a mobile investment application, the person named may proceed with that investment at their own risk before formal approval issues.
Once formal approval has issued, the applicant will be able to upload their claim for payment on the online TAMS system. My Department is currently focusing on the issuing of approvals, so it is expected that the processing of payments will commence once the issuing of approvals in respect of applications on hand has been completed.
Departmental Policies
Questions (957)
Niall Collins
Question:957. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has any plans to introduce a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14054/24]
View answerWritten answers
I established the Food Vision Dairy Group as well as the Food Vision Beef & Sheep Group in 2022 to advance the actions for the beef and sheep and dairy sectors identified in the Food Vision 2030 strategy, taking account of the requirement for the sectors to contribute to achieving the targets set for agriculture emissions in the Climate Action Plan.
The first priority for both Groups was to chart a pathway to achieving the legally binding target of a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 2030, equivalent to a reduction of 5.75 MT of carbon dioxide equivalent. Both the Dairy and Beef & Sheep groups submitted their final reports towards the end of 2022, which have been published.
A key recommendation of the Food Vision Dairy Group was to explore and take forward a voluntary reduction scheme for the dairy herd. Discussion on the proposed scheme with stakeholders has primarily taken place within that forum - which includes the farm representative bodies, dairy processors and State agencies. In addition, the Department sought the views of Group members as to how such a scheme might work bearing in mind the principles, as set down in the report, that need to be considered in its development.
There are a number of legal, financial and state aid complexities with implementing a scheme of this nature. For that reason it is not at a stage where it can be easily advanced. Therefore proceeding with such a scheme is not a priority for the moment and no exchequer funding provision is currently in place for such a scheme.
My priority right now is to get on with implementing the other measures in the Climate Action Plan which are more feasible. It is estimated that emissions from the agriculture sector reduced again in 2023 for the second year in a row, and so we are starting so see some positive momentum in our climate efforts for the sector. We need to continue with this progress and quickly advance the actions, including technical solutions around feed additives in particular. Our implementation of the alternative measures, and nudging farmers towards those, is also top of my list of priorities right now. These are understood by farmers and will have immediate climate impacts.
Forestry Sector
Questions (958, 974)
Claire Kerrane
Question:958. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the awaited strategy to address ash dieback will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14077/24]
View answer
Brendan Smith
Question:974. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the schemes available at present to compensate farmers who have suffered substantial losses due to ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14254/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 958 and 974 together.
A detailed Ash dieback action plan is being prepared by Minister of State, Senator Pippa Hackett for submission to Cabinet for approval in the very near future. This will outline comprehensive actions by my Department to deal with the issue of ash dieback. Detailed deliberations are taking place to ensure an efficient, appropriate and proportionate response.
As part of the Forest Strategy Implementation plan, the Minister is establishing a Forestry Strategy Consultative Committee (FSCC) to support this work. Members of the FSCC have been selected from a broad range of relevant stakeholders. This Committee will establish a range of sub-groups to inform its activities, and in this regard will convene a specific subgroup which will work as a task force to ensure a greater level of engagement and action on ash dieback and other forest health matters.
In July 2023 my Department launched the Reconstitution scheme for Ash Dieback under the new Programme 2023-27 with the following enhanced features:
• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate, from €1,000 to €2,000.
• Enhanced replanting grant rates under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027.Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years.
• In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.
My Department continues to issue approvals under the Reconstitution scheme. Reconstitution Scheme approvals have issued for circa 1,950ha in the past 6 months and applications for a further 1,450ha are currently being processed demonstrating increased demand for this scheme. I would urge ash owners who have not yet availed of the scheme to assist them in clearing their sites and replanting, to do so now. They will not be disadvantaged in relation to any further initiatives under the action plan.
Departmental Licences
Questions (959)
Denis Naughten
Question:959. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an application (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14135/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm receipt of this application on 4 December 2023, as described. However, due to an administrative issue a delay occurred. I can also confirm that this application will be processed with the utmost urgency and that contact has been initiated with the applicant.
Departmental Data
Questions (960)
Claire Kerrane
Question:960. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how many suckler herds there are currently; if a breakdown will be provided on how many herds there are with less than 15, between 16-30, between 31-100, and 101 cows and above, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14140/24]
View answerWritten answers
The table below shows numbers of herds with sucklers in the herd size categories requested, as recorded on the Department's databases, as of 31 December 2023. A suckler is defined as a female bovine of beef breed that is registered as the dam of at least 1 beef breed calf, where the calf was born on or before 31 December 2023.
|
|
1 to 15 |
16 to 30 |
31 to 100 |
101+ |
Total |
|
Number of herds |
39,442 |
12,085 |
5,809 |
149 |
57,485 |
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (961)
Claire Kerrane
Question:961. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the full year cost of the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme and the national beef welfare scheme in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14141/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) aims to support farmers in improving the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd by incentivising participants to undertake five mandatory actions. It consolidates and builds on the improvements in the genetic merit of the suckler herd achieved in recent years through actions implemented in the Beef Data and Genomics Programme and the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme.
The SCEP, which runs from 2023 to 2027, has an EU co-funded budget of €256 million over its duration which equates to €51.2 million allocation for each year of the programme. The latest data published my department indicates that total payments amounting to €51.54 million have issued to date to over 16,800 eligible participants for year one of the programme.
Updated summary payment data in respect of all DAFM schemes is available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/ceea9-scheme-payments-update/
My Department is currently working on the design of measures for a new exchequer-funded beef welfare scheme which will operate in 2024 and will be worth €20m to eligible beef farmers. Once the terms and conditions are finalised having regard to EU state aid rules for such supports, I will be able to announce further scheme details when it opens later this year. The national scheme will complement the SCEP and there will be no impediment to farmers participating in both schemes.
The drawdown of the budget allocations for the SCEP and the new national scheme will depend on the number of participants in both schemes who correctly complete the required actions in accordance with the terms and conditions governing payments for these schemes.
However, the funding I secured in Budget 2024 will allow me to continue the €200 per cow delivered for suckler farmers last year. These dedicated supports for the beef sector demonstrate the importance I attach to the viability and sustainability of our beef production systems.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (962, 963)
Claire Kerrane
Question:962. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the full year cost of the sheep improvement scheme for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14142/24]
View answerClaire Kerrane
Question:963. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated full year cost increasing the sheep improvement scheme rate of payment by €1 per ewe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14143/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 962 and 963 together.
The Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) is a multi-annual, EU co-funded intervention with an overall budget allocation of €100m over the course of the current CSP programming period running from 2023 to 2027. The scheme, now in its second year of operation, is designed to incentivise farmers with both hill and lowland flocks to undertake additional actions that improve animal health and welfare as appropriate to their sheep enterprises.
The targeted measures include:
• lameness control;
• mineral supplementation of ewes post mating;
• meal feeding lambs post weaning;
• parasite control (faecal egg count);
• management of pregnant ewes (scanning);
• flystrike control;
• mineral supplementation of lambs pre-weaning; and
• genotyped ram action.
My Department's latest payment data shows that over 16,900 farmers received approximately €19m in respect of 85% advance payments for the first year of the scheme. The 15% balancing payments for year one of the SIS are scheduled to commence in May 2024.
Updated cumulative payment data in respect of DAFM schemes and supports is published at the following link.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/ceea9-scheme-payments-update/
Projected scheme expenditure for the 2024 scheme year is expected to be roughly similar to 2023 but the actual expenditure level in any year will be determined by the number of participants who make themselves eligible for payment by following the correct procedure.
The current SIS payment is €12 per eligible breeding ewe for full scheme compliance. Given that participants were paid in respect of 1.86m head for scheme year one and assuming that at least the same number are again eligible this year, the estimated full-year cost of increasing the payment rate by €1 per ewe would be €1.86m. However, this calculation excludes flocks associated with some 200 new entrants who have applied for admittance to the scheme in 2024 and does not take into account that a larger number of existing participants may become eligible for scheme payments in 2024 than in 2023.
In recognition of the significant role of sheep production in the rural economy, I secured an extra €15m in support for the sector in Budget 2024. As recently announced, I have allocated this funding to implement a new national sheep welfare scheme which, together with SIS payments, will result in a payment equivalent to €20 per ewe to participating sheep farmers in 2024. These dedicated supports will be the highest payment level ever provided to our vitally important sheep sector.
Question No. 963 answered with Question No. 962.
Agriculture Industry
Questions (964)
Claire Kerrane
Question:964. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the area covered by agricultural activities by overall hectares covered and as a percentage of land coverage, by farming types (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14144/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) operates a land mapping system to support area-based payments. This system, known as the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS), contains the land declarations of all farmers who are in receipt of payments under schemes such as the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS).
In order to draw down payment, farmers must carry out an agricultural activity, as set out in the Guide to land Eligibility published by my Department. Farmers are free to choose the form of activity that best suits their land and the system of farming that they are engaged with. The LPIS therefore does not contain information on the specific activity carried out on the lands. It does however, contain information on the crops declared. This information is published annually on my Departments website - www.gov.ie/en/publication/cfa39-basic-payment-scheme-crop-areas/#2023
In 2023, a total of 4,682,472.87 hectares was declared as eligible for payment purposes. While the LPIS contains information on other areas within the farm, for example buildings and roadways, these are not included in the total figure as they are not eligible for payment purposes.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (965)
Claire Kerrane
Question:965. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the full year cost of payment under the areas of natural constraints scheme; how many farmers will receive the payment in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14145/24]
View answerWritten answers
The annual budget allocation for the Area of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme is €250m.
In order to be eligible for ANC Scheme, applicants must have ANC designated land and submit a valid Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application form annually. In addition there are stocking density and retention requirements that must be observed. Once all the requirements and Terms and Conditions of the Scheme are met, payment will commence in September 2024, which is a month earlier than in 2023 and is a return to the traditional payment period for the ANC Scheme.
As stated, this year the advance payments for ANC are scheduled to commence in the third week of September with the balancing payments commencing from early December. As the closing date for 2024 BISS applications is not until the 15th May 2024, it is not possible to foresee the number of applicants who will receive payment in 2024. However, the numbers and payment amounts are reasonably static at just under 100,000 eligible applicants and the data for 2023 and 2022 are highlighted below for reference:
2023 - 99,256 applicants were paid a total of €248,627,603.49
2022 - 98,530 applicants were paid a total of €246,389,561.10
Horticulture Sector
Questions (966)
Claire Kerrane
Question:966. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the full year cost of payments for the horticulture sector in 2023; the breakdown of relevant payments and cost for each; the anticipated cost for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14146/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the fourth largest sector in agriculture my Department is committed to supporting the horticulture industry in Ireland with a range of initiatives and supports as outlined in the table below.
In 2023, my Department launched the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027. The stakeholder led Strategy sets down a clear vision to grow a more profitable, value-added sector, driven by innovation and sustainability and provides a roadmap for the sector to achieve this potential.
2023
|
Scheme |
Amount Paid |
|
2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector |
€4,604,319 |
|
2022/2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Seed Potato Sector and the Chipping Potato Sector |
€2,414,728 |
|
The 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for Energy Efficiency, Automation and Processing for Commercial Mushroom Producers |
€235,069 |
|
The 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for Commercial Non-Primary Producers in the Mushroom Sector and for Peat Replacement by Commercial Mushroom Producers. |
€1,045,087 |
|
2023 Mushroom Promotional Support |
€1,010,000 |
|
EU Producer Organisation Scheme for fruit and vegetables (EU funded) |
€6,253,505 |
2024
|
Scheme |
Amount Paid |
|
Horticulture Crisis Fund 2023 (paid in January 2024) |
€2,372,370 |
|
Scheme |
Amount Expected to be Paid |
|
2024 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector |
€10 million (estimated) |
|
EU Producer Organisation Scheme for fruit and vegetables (EU funded) |
€10 million (estimated) |
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (967)
Claire Kerrane
Question:967. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the full year cost of payments for the tillage sector in 2023; the breakdown of relevant payments and cost for each; the anticipated cost for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14147/24]
View answerWritten answers
The tillage sector is an important and integral component of the agrifood industry making a significant and valued contribution to the Irish economy. Tillage farming delivers a wide range of environmental benefits for Ireland through nitrogen fixing crops, reduction in imported feed and carbon sequestration. In recognition of these benefits, my Department through the Cap Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 provides supports for two dedicated tillage Interventions namely Protein Aid and the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM).
The Protein Aid Scheme provided for an increased budget, compared to the previous CAP, of €7 million annually over the duration of the CSP. However, as the number of hectares sown to protein crops in 2023 increased by over 50%, an additional once off budget adjustment of €3.1 million in funding above the already increased annual budget of €7 million was provided for, bringing the total Protein Aid budget in 2023 to €10.1 million.
The Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) also experienced an increased rate of participation by tillage farmers in 2023, which saw total expenditure under the scheme realising some €16.5 million.
The Protein Aid and SIM budgets have reverted to the original CSP budgets of €7 million and €10 million respectively for 2024.
In response to the aggression in the Ukraine, my Department introduced a Tillage Incentive Scheme (TIS) in 2022 worth in the region of €20 million over the two years of the scheme. The 2023 scheme provided for a payment for the maintenance of areas converted in 2022, in addition to payment for newly converted area. TIS 2023 provided €8.3 million in expenditure. In 2024, €1 million has been allocated for a TIS maintenance payment.
Notwithstanding these supports, 2023 proved a challenging year for the tillage sector. The sector experienced significant difficulties from high costs of production, reduced output prices, reduced yields and very difficult weather conditions. In recognition of this, my Department secured through the EU Agricultural Reserve an allocation of €7.147 million for the tillage sector, and supplemented this with a corresponding amount from National Exchequer funding. This aggregate amount of €14.3 million provided a top-up payment to all tillage farmers and supported an Unharvested Crop Support Scheme for those who were unable to harvest their cereal crops due to wet weather.
Outside of these direct tillage supports, tillage farmers are also eligible to access funding under specific TAMS measures as well as the standard area-based payments that operate under the CAP such as the Basic income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and ECO schemes, along with ACRES.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (968)
Claire Kerrane
Question:968. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount paid out under the low emission slurry spreading scheme in 2023 and to date in 2024; how many farmers received the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14148/24]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested is not readily available and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Departmental Projects
Questions (969)
Claire Kerrane
Question:969. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the progress of the Ag Nav platform; how many farmers have utilised the tool to carbon audit their farms to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14149/24]
View answerWritten answers
AgNav provides a whole farm sustainability assessment and includes a decision support function (forecaster tool) that allows science-led plans to be made for individual farms to reduce emissions and increase carbon sequestration. My department has supported “AgNav” which is a collaboration between Teagasc, the Irish Cattle Breeding Association (ICBF) and Bord Bia, in developing this digital platform.
I recently committed €2 million of funding to greatly accelerate the development of AgNav, leveraging the three agencies’ collective knowledge to provide farmers with accurate and verifiable data to support decision-making with respect to environmental performance.
This collaboration leverages the most robust inter-agency data, research, and resources to drive climate action and efficiencies on farm in collaboration with industry. The development of AgNav is of strategic national importance, providing a mechanism for quantification of progress towards Climate Action Plan targets for the agrifood sector as well as supporting environmental and economic sustainability.
From 2024, AgNav has targeted that 10,000 farmers will be utilising the platform each year, reaching 50,000 farmers by the end of 2028. For further information on current AgNav adoption at farm level, I direct the Deputy to engage with Teagasc directly.
Departmental Reviews
Questions (970)
Claire Kerrane
Question:970. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the land use review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14162/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government: Our Shared Future (2020) committed to a national land use review. This commitment is being delivered in a two-phase approach. The first phase of the Land-use Review was led by Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and focused on evidence gathering. This was completed in March 2023 and the final report consists of 10 documents and 19 recommendations.
The second phase follows on from the first and will further develop the knowledge, analysis and shared understanding necessary for consideration of how Ireland’s land can be used in a way that meets the Government objective of improving socioeconomic, climate, biodiversity, water, and air quality outcomes. As in phase one, this is a review of Ireland’s land use, not formulation of a land use strategy.
At the heart of the review is a recognition of the very significant role farmers and farm families play, as food producers and custodians of our environment, and in the overall success of the economy and society as a whole; the need to build on the momentum farm families and their businesses have made in sustainable food production and addressing environmental ambitions; and the recognition that the measures that farmers will be asked to undertake will be voluntary and done in partnership and collaboration with Government.
Chairs for the Oversight, Technical and Citizen Engagement Groups were appointed in August 2023. Public consultation is a key element of evidence-based policy development at local, regional and national levels, and engagement will be a key aspect of Phase 2. One of the two working groups established for Phase 2 is specifically committed to Stakeholder engagement.
The Oversight Group presented a Progress Report to Ministers in December 2023 which set out the work that had been carried out in 2023 and outlined an indicative work plan for 2024. The Oversight Group are of the view that progress on the current phase of the Land Use Review can best be communicated through periodic Status Reports focusing on delivery of the Work Plan over 2024 and a Final Report to the Ministers in Spring 2025. The Oversight Group plans to provide the next Status Report to Ministers in April 2024.