Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 July 2014
561. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has to provide financial support to the poultry sector under the rural development plan; the specific allocation of funding that will be made available for this sector; the investment measures that will be supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31658/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 (RDP) will be a key support in enhancing the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, achieving more sustainable management of natural resources and ensuring a more balanced development of rural areas. A draft RDP was submitted to the European Commission on July 3, 2014. The submitted draft will then form the basis for detailed discussions with the European Commission over the following months.
In relation to the poultry sector, the main areas for support in the RDP will include:
- significant support for on-farm capital investment under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme II (TAMS II) scheme;
- knowledge transfer and innovation measures, aimed at underpinning farm viability, sustainability and growth through the adoption of best practice and innovative solutions, and
These schemes will support a range of key sectors within agriculture, and some will be of particular relevance to the poultry sector. TAMS II will entail financial support to a number of key areas within agriculture, including the poultry sector. Under TAMS II energy investments, water metres and medicine dispensers are envisaged for the poultry sector. Support for Knowledge Transfer Groups will also cover a number of sectors, including the poultry sector. These groups will cover issues such as financial/risk management, animal health and welfare, breed improvement, environmental protection, climate change and innovation and their operation will largely mirror existing templates already in operation in the beef and sheep sectors.
The poultry sector, amongst other sectors, may also avail of support under the Targeted Animal Health and Welfare Advisory Measure.
