Vol. 436 No. 7
28 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if registered organic producers under EC Regulation 2092/91 will have to undergo a further inspection for eligibility under the rural environment protection scheme.
86 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will give the implementation date for the rural environment protection scheme; the amount of money which will be allocated under the scheme for organic agriculture; and if he will reduce the three hectare minimum criteria for eligibility under the scheme.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 86 together.
The proposals submitted by my Department to the EC Commission to give effect to the Agri-Environment Regulation of CAP Reform, including details of costs, eligibility criteria and inspection requirements, are the subject of on-going negotiation between my officials and the Commission. I am hopeful that our proposals will be approved shortly and implemented early in 1994 but, until the proposals are approved, I am not in a position formally to indicate the details involved. However, I can confirm that a scheme to promote organic farming will form a part of the new arrangements.
