Written Answers Nos. 66 - 85
66. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the knowledge transfer scheme will be extended for a further year and opened for applications in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41971/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Knowledge Transfer (KT) Programme, which was funded under the Rural Development Programme(RDP) 2014 -2020, concluded in August 2019, as provided in the Rural Development Programme. Budget 2020 provides for residual payments under this programme. I am fully committed to the future of the Knowledge Transfer Programme however, and will be working in 2020, towards the development of a new programme in due course, within the confines of available resources.
Negotiations in relation to the post-2020 CAP regulations are ongoing and these will form the basis for the next iteration of CAP schemes when they are finalised. It is envisaged that knowledge transfer measures will form a key part of the next CAP.
At present, the Department is seeking submissions from stakeholders in relation to the SWOT analysis which will underpin the range of measures to be included in the next CAP.
67. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he or his officials have received briefings on the ongoing protest by beef farmers; and his views on the matter. [37414/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been a series of formal negotiations with beef sector stakeholders, facilitated by my Department, since early August, culminating in an agreement being reached between stakeholders on Sunday 15 September.
The full text of the Agreement is available on my Department's website: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingsectors/beef/Agreement15September170919.pdf
The Agreement involves a number of interventions which will provide immediate benefit for beef producers, as well as a range of strategic measures which seek to address structural imbalances in the sector.
Beef producers will benefit from an immediate increase in a range of bonuses. This will increase the level of bonus being paid on certain animals, as well as significantly increasing the number of animals which are eligible for a bonus. The cumulative effect is that over 70% of all steer and heifers slaughtered will now be eligible for a bonus on top of the base price paid.
A number of actions in the area of market transparency, beef promotion and strengthening the position of the farmer in the supply chain are included in the Agreement. These measures set a course towards greater clarity for all stakeholders involved in the beef supply chain, primarily farmers.
My Department is also proactively engaging with several potential beef Producer Organisations, which have to potential to strengthen the bargaining power of beef farmers in the supply chain. Two beef producer organisations have been formally recognised by my Department in recent weeks.
I have established a Beef Market Taskforce to provide the leadership to develop a sustainable pathway for the future of the beef sector in terms of economic, environmental and social sustainability. The Taskforce will provide a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into in the Agreement, with timelines and stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, the Beef Market Taskforce will offer a suitable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders, including retailers and regulatory authorities.
I have appointed Michael Dowling as independent Chair of the Taskforce, and its membership includes representatives from my Department, relevant State agencies, farm organisations and the meat industry. The Beef Taskforce scheduled for yesterday, 14 October, was adjourned, as members of the Taskforce were prevented from attending the meeting. It is in the interests of everyone involved in the beef industry that the work of the Taskforce goes ahead. The Taskforce’s remit is to monitor the implementation of the actions arising from the agreement reached on 15 September and offers the most viable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders. It was a great pity that farm representatives were not in a position to air the legitimate concerns of farmers at the Taskforce.
68. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans he is putting in place to distribute the €22 million underspend in the BEAM scheme in view of the fact that the initial plan fell short of what it was meant to achieve. [41700/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) is to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132. BEAM is funded by a combination of EU aid and Exchequer support, provided in light of the difficult circumstances that Irish beef farmers have been facing as a result of market volatility and uncertainty.
The implementing regulation was within the competence of the European Commission; member states were invited to comment on the contents of the draft regulation, however, it was not open for negotiation. Ireland subsequently published a formal notification of the scheme as required under the regulation.
The scheme was designed to target aid to those who had been most impacted by the market disturbance for which it was requested. The reduction/restructuring requirement was required by the Commission; it was also required to be at individual farm level.
As the scheme is voluntary, it is a decision for individual eligible farmers as to whether to participate or not. In response to requests from farm bodies, the period for receipt of applications was extended to 20 September and there was support and advice available to prospective applicants from my Department at the National Ploughing Championships.
In total 34,517 applications were received, representing a potential payment of €78,192,380. A further 560 applicants, who did not qualify for the support as they had failed to meet the eligibility criteria laid down in the scheme Terms and Conditions, submitted an application under appeal in order to have their eligibility for the scheme reviewed.
Under the implementing regulation, Ireland may grant additional national support for the measures taken under Article 1 of the regulation up to a maximum of 100% of EU funding. Therefore, undrawn funds cannot be used for other purposes outside of the measure.
The Deputy will be glad to know that, in Budget 2020, I have provided almost €85 million in targeted schemes to support sustainable beef farming. This includes almost €45 million for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP), and a further €40 million for targeted supports. I intend to consult with stakeholders as to the use of these funds.
In addition, in the event of a No-Deal Brexit, my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform confirmed in Budget 2020 that a Brexit contingency fund of €650 million will be available to support our most vulnerable sectors, to be activated in tranches as the full impacts emerge. €110 million will be made available through my Department in the first tranche, of which €85 million will be provided in immediate supports for beef farmers. This will, of course, be supplemented by any exceptional aid provided from the EU under the CMO regulation.
69. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase funding for suckler cow farmers, the existing BDGP and BEEP schemes and the ANC. [41976/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Government has provided significant financial support to the beef sector over the past number of years through national funding and the rural development programme.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) provides Irish beef farmers with up to €300 million in funding over the current Rural Development Programme (RDP) and provides a high degree of important performance data to beef farmers to drive efficiency through facilitating better decision making.
My Department has rolled out a range of other schemes from which beef farmers benefit, as part of the €4 billion RDP including GLAS, ANCs and Knowledge Transfer Groups. Suckler farmers also benefit, of course, from the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening payments under CAP Pillar I.
In 2019, a further €20 million of exchequer funding was made available through the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme, to encourage farmers to measure the weaning efficiency of their suckler cows.
And, of course, the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) has provided temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132.
BEAM is funded by a combination of EU aid and Exchequer support, provided in light of the difficult circumstances that Irish beef farmers have been facing as a result of the market volatility and uncertainty. Over 34,500 farmers had applied for BEAM at its closing date of 20 September, representing potential commitments of almost €78 million.
In recognition of the important income support role played by the ANC scheme, the total allocation for the scheme has been increased by €48m over the last two budgets (€25m in Budget 2018 and €23m in Budget 2019). In both 2018 and 2019, payment rates in the scheme were increased, with a targeting of increases corresponding to the different level of constraint in the different categories of land in the scheme.
In Budget 2020, I have provided almost €85 million in targeted schemes to support sustainable beef farming. This includes almost €45 million for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP), and a further €40 million for targeted supports. I intend to consult with stakeholders as to the use of these funds.
In addition, in the event of a No-Deal Brexit, my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform confirmed in Budget 2020 that a Brexit contingency fund of €650 million will be available to support our most vulnerable sectors, to be activated in tranches as the full impacts emerge. €110 million will be made available through my Department in the first tranche, of which €85 million will be provided in immediate supports for beef farmers. This will, of course, be supplemented by any exceptional aid provided from the EU under the CMO regulation.
70. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the key elements of the climate action plan 2019 which will put Ireland on a course for carbon neutrality without compromising capacity for food production. [28561/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe All-of Government Plan to tackle climate breakdown sets out a target to reduce emissions from 20.2mt in 2017 to less than 19mt by 2030; equating to cumulative abatement of between 16.5 and 18.5 Mt CO2 eq over the period 2021 to 2030 for the agriculture, sector. In addition, the sector will also deliver an additional 26.8 Mt CO2 eq cumulative abatement through better land use management such as afforestation and improved management of peaty grasslands.
The plan identifies 34 actions for the sector that will contribute to our transition to a low carbon economy and society across abatement measures, carbon sequestration measures and displacement of fossil fuels and reflects our three-pillar policy approach to achieving carbon neutrality without comprising sustainable food production of:
1. Reducing agricultural emissions;
2. Increasing carbon sequestration; and
3. Displacing and substituting fossil fuel and energy intensive materials.
These actions in the plan are informed by the recent Teagasc Marginal Cost Abatement Curve report (MACC) - An Analysis of Abatement Potential of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Irish Agriculture 2021-2030 as an identifiable suite of actions for delivery. These actions include both efficiency measures such as the Dairy EBI programme and technical measures such as changes in fertiliser type or low emissions slurry spreading as well as a series of forestry and bioeceonomy measures.
While the target for the sector is challenging, immediate action and early adoption is key and there are three important actions that can be advanced immediately.
- Deepening engagement with farmers and other stakeholders to promote the necessary deployment of new technologies and changes in farming practices.
- Improving nitrogen use efficiency such as widespread adoption of low emissions slurry spreading or introduction of clover in grassland swards; and
- Continuing our support for research and innovation such as the potential of novel feed additives in grass-based production systems.
To reach the target of 19 Mt CO2 eq or lower in 2030 will require us to manage the emissions profile from the sector between now and then through mobilisation of as many of these actions as possible as early as possible with high levels of take-up across our 139,000 farms. While I am confident that these actions once implemented early can deliver emissions reductions that would allow maintenance of our current national herd count, market conditions are likely to indicate a reorientation of systems within the herd.
There are already a significant number of measures in place which support these actions ranging from enhanced regulation to improve nitrogen use efficiency such as seen in the recent review of our Nitrates derogation to incentives which encourage afforestation and improved animal efficiency such as the BDGP and BEEP schemes. However, I am not complacent on this important issue and my Department continues to review and develop new measures that will realise the ambition for the sector.
Higher ambition on environmental and climate action are part of the new CAP, post-2020, and it is proposed that 40% of the overall CAP budget will contribute to climate action. This will require farmers to achieve a higher level of environmental ambition through both mandatory and incentive-based measures. All mechanisms, such as the CAP reform, market incentive and regulation will be investigated in full by all the relevant stakeholders, including industry, to mobilise the necessary actions as swiftly as possible. While the mitigation potential for agriculture is limited, agriculture can and must play a key role in contributing to Ireland’s climate change and energy targets in the years ahead.
71. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he can ensure that a key objective of the Irish Greyhound Board’s strategic plan 2018-22, which is to maintain animal welfare at the centre of the industry, will be met; the way in which the greyhound care fund is addressing the welfare and health issues of greyhounds. [41885/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na gCon (BnG) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
BnG has assured me that it continues to make significant progress in the areas of welfare and regulation under its Strategic Plan 2018-2022. One of the pillars of the plan is maintaining animal welfare at the centre of the industry. Actions proposed under the plan include the introduction of a traceability system, now provided for in statute under the Greyhound Racing Ireland Act 2019, an extended racing life for greyhounds, strategic partnerships with organisations solely dedicated to the welfare of greyhounds and an increased focus on re-homing.
A confidential phone line has been established by BnG to enable reports of welfare breaches to be investigated by the relevant agency. A Greyhound Care Fund has been established funded by a percentage from sponsorship and admission fees effective from September and, in addition, from a percentage of the Tote income from November.
I am confident that Bord na gCon is rebuilding the industry within a modern framework with the welfare of the racing greyhound at its core.
72. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his position on what the upper limit for basic payments should be under the Common Agricultural Policy. [41602/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new legislative proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy 2021 - 2027 were launched in June 2018 by Commissioner Hogan. The proposals, as drafted, involve significant changes, including in relation to governance, the distribution of direct payments among farmers and the increasing environmental conditionality attaching to such payments. There will be some additional discretion for Member States in configuring the measures available, within parameters laid down in the draft proposals.
I have previously indicated that I am open to considering some level of capping of payments. Ireland has already applied the maximum level of degressivity allowable under the current regulations for payments over €150,000.
The new proposals include a number of measures which concern redistribution of direct payments, including:
- an overall mandatory cap of €100,000,
- progressive reduction of payments above €60,000,
- a complementary redistributive income support, and
- the convergence of payments towards a minimum of 75% of the average payment per hectare nationally.
My Department is at present examining these proposals carefully to assess their potential impact on applicants. There are a number of elements involved, and it will be necessary to consider all of these, as well as the way they interact.
Initial modelling indicates that capping is unlikely to release a substantial amount of funding for reallocation. Furthermore, it is important that any such mechanisms are straightforward for Member States to administer so that they can be implemented without undue complexity for the individual farmer.
Negotiations on the draft proposals are continuing at EU level. While significant progress has been made to date, decisions on key issues have yet to be agreed. I will continue to work with the Commission and other Member States to shape these proposals into an effective new CAP for the period post-2020.
73. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the reintroduction of a rural environmental protection scheme will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41380/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to take this opportunity to emphasise my commitment to agri-environment schemes in general which recognise the vital role farmers play in delivering public goods which will enhance Ireland’s sustainability credentials into the future. This was demonstrated by the extra €5million allocated to agri-environment schemes in the recent budget, bringing the total allocation for 2020 to almost €235 million.
My Department has a strong record in the delivery of agri-environmental schemes beginning with the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) which commenced in 1994. The subsequent Agri-Environment schemes, the Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) and the Green Low Carbon Agri -Environment Scheme (GLAS), have also proved to be very popular with farmers. In the case of GLAS, which was introduced under the Rural Development Programme for the period 2014-2020, the original target of 50,000 participants was surpassed well ahead of target.
As regards the proposals for new regulations for the CAP 2021-27 which were launched in June 2018 by Commissioner Hogan, the proposals, as drafted, involve significant changes, including in relation to governance, the distribution of direct payments among farmers and the increasing environmental conditionality attaching to such payments.
Decisions on any future agri-environment schemes, will be informed by the final outcome of CAP negotiations and the available budget. Negotiations on the draft proposals are continuing at EU level. While significant progress has been made to date, decisions on key issues have yet to be agreed at EU level. In the meantime, I would encourage all stakeholders to engage with the ongoing national CAP consultation process and let their views be known on future agri-environment policy.
74. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to reopen the GLAS scheme for new applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41963/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Green Low Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) is a measure funded by the Rural Development Programme (2014-2020). GLAS promotes practices to assist the preservation of habitats and species as well as addressing the issues of climate change mitigation and water quality, in support of sustainable Irish agriculture.
Since the launch of GLAS tranche 1 in 2015, the Scheme has been extremely successful in terms of uptake with in excess of 50,000 farmers approved into the GLAS scheme over the first three tranches exceeding the participation target almost two years ahead of schedule. The GLAS scheme is now fully subscribed and the overall RDP budget is on track to be fully spent. There are currently no plans to re-open the scheme.
As regards the proposals for new regulations for the CAP 2021-27 which were launched in June 2018 by Commissioner Hogan, the proposals, as drafted, involve significant changes, including in relation to governance, the distribution of direct payments among farmers and the increasing environmental conditionality attaching to such payments.
Decisions on any future agri-environment schemes, will be informed by the final outcome of CAP negotiations and the available budget. Negotiations on the draft proposals are continuing at EU level. While significant progress has been made to date, decisions on key issues have yet to be agreed at EU level. In the meantime, I would encourage all stakeholders to engage with the ongoing national CAP consultation process and let their views be known on future agri-environment policy.
75. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the concerns of the beef industry here will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41378/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been a series of formal negotiations with beef sector stakeholders, facilitated by my Department, since early August, culminating in an agreement being reached between stakeholders on Sunday 15 September.
The full text of the Agreement is available on my Department's website: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingsectors/beef/Agreement15September170919.pdf
The Agreement involves a number of interventions which will provide immediate benefit for beef producers, as well as a range of strategic measures which seek to address structural imbalances in the sector.
Beef producers will benefit from an immediate increase in a range of bonuses. This will increase the level of bonus being paid on certain animals, as well as significantly increasing the number of animals which are eligible for a bonus. The cumulative effect is that over 70% of all steer and heifers slaughtered will now be eligible for a bonus on top of the base price paid.
A number of actions in the area of market transparency, beef promotion and strengthening the position of the farmer in the supply chain are included in the Agreement. These measures set a course towards greater clarity for all stakeholders involved in the beef supply chain, primarily farmers.
My Department is also proactively engaging with several potential beef Producer Organisations, which have to potential to strengthen the bargaining power of beef farmers in the supply chain. Two beef producer organisations have been formally recognised by my Department in recent weeks.
I have established a Beef Market Taskforce to provide the leadership to develop a sustainable pathway for the future of the beef sector in terms of economic, environmental and social sustainability. The Taskforce will provide a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into in the Agreement, with timelines and stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, the Beef Market Taskforce will offer a suitable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders, including retailers and regulatory authorities.
I have appointed Michael Dowling as independent Chair of the Taskforce, and its membership includes representatives from my Department, relevant State agencies, farm organisations and the meat industry. The Beef Taskforce scheduled for yesterday, 14 October, was adjourned, as members of the Taskforce were prevented from attending the meeting. It is in the interests of everyone involved in the beef industry that the work of the Taskforce goes ahead. The Taskforce’s remit is to monitor the implementation of the actions arising from the agreement reached on 15 September and offers the most viable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders. It was a great pity that farm representatives were not in a position to air the legitimate concerns of farmers at the Taskforce.
76. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contingencies being operated and supports that will be in place to safeguard farmers and the agrifood sector for all scenarios including a no-deal hard Brexit, including measures in budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41969/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have introduced a number of supports to assist farmers and the agri-food sector in preparing to address the challenges posed by Brexit. These include most recently:
- the €300 million Brexit Loan Scheme for Brexit-impacted SMEs and mid-cap businesses whose funding arrangements ensure that at least 40% of the fund is available to food businesses. Up to 4 October 2019, 754 loans have been approved of which 199 to the value of €44.1m have been sanctioned. 36 of these, to the value of €9.29m relate to food businesses; and
- the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine/Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation “Future Growth Loan Scheme”, which will make up to €300 million of long-term strategic investment loans available to eligible Irish businesses, including farmers and the agri-food & seafood sectors. Businesses have been able to apply for loan eligibility through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland since 17th April 2019. 1,364 loans have been approved, including 530 to farmers and 163 to food companies, up to 4 October 2019. The total number of loans progressed to sanction at bank level is 296 to the value of €50.1m.
In Budget 2020, the Government announced that it will provide a ‘no-deal’ contingency fund to support our most vulnerable sectors, with up to €650 million available overall, to be activated in tranches as the full impacts of Brexit emerge. €110 million will be made available for the agri-food sector in the first tranche, to be supplemented by any exceptional aid provided by the EU.
The provision of immediate supports for our beef sector will be a first priority, as will support for our fishing fleet. We also want to support food companies to re-orient towards new products and markets, and to support other sectors to improve their competitiveness.
While supports cannot fully address the negative effects of a no-deal Brexit for the agri-food and fisheries sectors, this first tranche of supports will be used to ameliorate the immediate impact on farmers and fishermen, as the full impact of a no-deal Brexit crystallises, and to make some of the adjustments needed to improve resilience for businesses in the face of new market realities.
77. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his priorities from the establishment of the beef market task force; the timeline for progress of meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41987/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been a series of formal negotiations with beef sector stakeholders, facilitated by my Department, since early August, culminating in an agreement being reached between stakeholders on Sunday 15 September.
The full text of the Agreement is available on my Department's website: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingsectors/beef/Agreement15September170919.pdf
The Agreement involves a number of interventions which will provide immediate benefit for beef producers, as well as a range of strategic measures which seek to address structural imbalances in the sector.
Beef producers will benefit from an immediate increase in a range of bonuses. This will increase the level of bonus being paid on certain animals, as well as significantly increasing the number of animals which are eligible for a bonus. The cumulative effect is that over 70% of all steer and heifers slaughtered will now be eligible for a bonus on top of the base price paid.
A number of actions in the area of market transparency, beef promotion and strengthening the position of the farmer in the supply chain are included in the Agreement. These measures set a course towards greater clarity for all stakeholders involved in the beef supply chain, primarily farmers.
My Department is also proactively engaging with several potential beef Producer Organisations, which have to potential to strengthen the bargaining power of beef farmers in the supply chain. Two beef producer organisations have been formally recognised by my Department in recent weeks.
I have established a Beef Market Taskforce to provide the leadership to develop a sustainable pathway for the future of the beef sector in terms of economic, environmental and social sustainability. The Taskforce will provide a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into in the Agreement, with timelines and stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, the Beef Market Taskforce will offer a suitable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders, including retailers and regulatory authorities.
I have appointed Michael Dowling as independent Chair of the Taskforce, and its membership includes representatives from my Department, relevant State agencies, farm organisations and the meat industry. The Beef Taskforce scheduled for yesterday, 14 October, was adjourned, as members of the Taskforce were prevented from attending the meeting. It is in the interests of everyone involved in the beef industry that the work of the Taskforce goes ahead. The Taskforce’s remit is to monitor the implementation of the actions arising from the agreement reached on 15 September and offers the most viable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders. It was a great pity that farm representatives were not in a position to air the legitimate concerns of farmers at the Taskforce.
78. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he requested compensation at European level to assist farmers who have incurred beef price losses since May 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41964/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have had ongoing discussions with Commissioner Hogan and Commission officials in regard to the significant beef market disturbance which has already occurred, and particularly in relation to the threat posed to the beef sector in Ireland, as well as in other Member States, by a No-Deal Brexit. I raised these issues again during a bilateral yesterday en marge of the Agriculture Council in Luxembourg.
It is significant that the European Commission's communication of 3rd September in relation to No-Deal preparations highlighted the market support measures under the CMO regulation, which, of course, include exceptional aid provisions. The Commission committed that "the full spectrum of exisiting instruments for market support and direct financial support to farmers will be made available to mitigate the worst impact on agri-food markets".
The Irish Government has provided significant financial support to the beef sector over the past number of years through national funding and EU funding under the €4 billion Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014 - 2020.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) provides Irish beef farmers with up to €300 million in funding over the current RDP and provides a high degree of important performance data to beef farmers to drive efficiency through facilitating better decision making.
My Department has rolled out a range of other schemes from which beef farmers benefit, as part of the RDP including GLAS, ANCs and Knowledge Transfer Groups. Suckler farmers also benefit, of course, from the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening payments under CAP Pillar I.
In 2019, a further €20 million of exchequer funding was made available through the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme, to encourage farmers to measure the weaning efficiency of their suckler cows.
And, of course, the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) has provided temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132.
BEAM is funded by a combination of EU aid and Exchequer support, provided in light of the difficult circumstances that Irish beef farmers have been facing as a result of the market volatility and uncertainty. Over 34,500 farmers had applied for BEAM at its closing date of 20 September, representing potential commitments of almost €78 million.
In recognition of the important income support role played by the ANC scheme, the total allocation for the scheme has been increased by €48m over the last two budgets (€25m in Budget 2018 and €23m in Budget 2019). In both 2018 and 2019, payment rates in the scheme were increased, with a targeting of increases corresponding to the different level of constraint in the different categories of land in the scheme.
In Budget 2020, I have provided almost €85 million in targeted schemes to support sustainable beef farming. This includes almost €45 million for the BDGP, and a further €40 million for targeted supports. I intend to consult with stakeholders as to the use of these funds.
In addition, in the event of a No-Deal Brexit, my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform confirmed in Budget 2020 that a Brexit contingency fund of €650 million will be available to support our most vulnerable sectors, to be activated in tranches as the full impacts emerge. €110 million will be made available through my Department in the first tranche, of which €85 million will be provided in immediate supports for beef farmers. This will, of course, be supplemented by any exceptional aid provided from the EU under the CMO regulation.
79. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the deaths and injuries of greyhounds at tracks here from 1 January 2019 to date. [41934/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na gCon (BnG) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Instances of fatalities in greyhounds at stadia are extremely rare and are regrettable when they do occur, with best veterinary care and advice followed in each case. Bord na gCon (BnG) has informed me that of the 67,220 greyhounds raced from 1st January 2019 to date, 0.34% of these have been injured while 0.11% have been euthanized.
The percentage of greyhounds injured or put to sleep (PTS) has shown a downward trend in the last 5 year period. This is as a result of a continued focus by Bord na gCon on track maintenance and improvement procedures, together with the cancellation of racing where it is determined that there is a risk due to factors such as severe weather. It is intended as part of their priority focus on care and welfare to continue to improve the injury and PTS statistics.
In August 2019, BnG introduced a Greyhounds Injured at Tracks Support Scheme which provides financial assistance for greyhound owners towards severe injuries so that the greyhound can continue a healthy life into retirement. Bord na gCon also held regional seminars earlier this year for all greyhound owners and trainers to continue to promote the positive approach to welfare within the industry.
80. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has formally submitted an application to the EU Commission for market disturbance funding for beef farmers under Article 219 of the CAP in view of the fact that prices have fallen further since May 2019. [41973/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have had ongoing discussions with Commissioner Hogan and Commission officials in regard to the significant beef market disturbance which has already occurred, and particularly in relation to the threat posed to the beef sector in Ireland, as well as in other Member States, by a No-Deal Brexit. I raised these issues again during a bilateral yesterday en marge of the Agriculture Council in Luxembourg.
It is significant that the European Commission's communication of 3rd September in relation to No-Deal preparations highlighted the market support measures under the CMO regulation, which, of course, include exceptional aid provisions. The Commission committed that "the full spectrum of exisiting instruments for market support and direct financial support to farmers will be made available to mitigate the worst impact on agri-food markets".
The Irish Government has provided significant financial support to the beef sector over the past number of years through national funding and EU funding under the €4 billion Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014 - 2020.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) provides Irish beef farmers with up to €300 million in funding over the current RDP and provides a high degree of important performance data to beef farmers to drive efficiency through facilitating better decision making.
My Department has rolled out a range of other schemes from which beef farmers benefit, as part of the RDP including GLAS, ANCs and Knowledge Transfer Groups. Suckler farmers also benefit, of course, from the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening payments under CAP Pillar I.
In 2019, a further €20 million of exchequer funding was made available through the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme, to encourage farmers to measure the weaning efficiency of their suckler cows.
And, of course, the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) has provided temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132.
BEAM is funded by a combination of EU aid and Exchequer support, provided in light of the difficult circumstances that Irish beef farmers have been facing as a result of the market volatility and uncertainty. Over 34,500 farmers had applied for BEAM at its closing date of 20 September, representing potential commitments of almost €78 million.
In recognition of the important income support role played by the ANC scheme, the total allocation for the scheme has been increased by €48m over the last two budgets (€25m in Budget 2018 and €23m in Budget 2019). In both 2018 and 2019, payment rates in the scheme were increased, with a targeting of increases corresponding to the different level of constraint in the different categories of land in the scheme.
In Budget 2020, I have provided almost €85 million in targeted schemes to support sustainable beef farming. This includes almost €45 million for the BDGP, and a further €40 million for targeted supports. I intend to consult with stakeholders as to the use of these funds.
In addition, in the event of a No-Deal Brexit, my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform confirmed in Budget 2020 that a Brexit contingency fund of €650 million will be available to support our most vulnerable sectors, to be activated in tranches as the full impacts emerge. €110 million will be made available through my Department in the first tranche, of which €85 million will be provided in immediate supports for beef farmers. This will, of course, be supplemented by any exceptional aid provided from the EU under the CMO regulation.
81. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the first meeting of the beef market task force will take place; the timeline for implementation of all the actions agreed by farming organisations and the meat industry at talks that concluded on 15 September 2019; if he formally submitted an application to the EU Commission for market disturbance funding for beef farmers under Article 219 of the CAP in view of the fact that prices have fallen further since May 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41970/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been a series of formal negotiations with beef sector stakeholders, facilitated by my Department, since early August, culminating in an agreement being reached between stakeholders on Sunday 15 September.
The full text of the Agreement is available on my Department's website: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingsectors/beef/Agreement15September170919.pdf
I have established a Beef Market Taskforce to provide the leadership to develop a sustainable pathway for the future of the beef sector in terms of economic, environmental and social sustainability. The Taskforce will provide a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into in the Agreement, with timelines and stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, the Beef Market Taskforce will offer a suitable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders, including retailers and regulatory authorities.
I have appointed Michael Dowling as independent Chair of the Taskforce, and its membership includes representatives from my Department, relevant State agencies, farm organisations and the meat industry. The Beef Taskforce scheduled for yesterday, 14 October, was adjourned, as members of the Taskforce were prevented from attending the meeting. It is in the interests of everyone involved in the beef industry that the work of the Taskforce goes ahead. The Taskforce’s remit is to monitor the implementation of the actions arising from the agreement reached on 15 September and offers the most viable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders. It was a great pity that farm representatives were not in a position to air the legitimate concerns of farmers at the Taskforce.
I have had ongoing discussions with Commissioner Hogan and Commission officials in regard to the significant beef market disturbance which has already occurred, and particularly in relation to the threat posed to the beef sector in Ireland, as well as in other Member States, by a No-Deal Brexit. I raised these issues again during a bilateral yesterday en marge of the Agriculture Council in Luxembourg.
The Irish Government has provided significant financial support to the beef sector over the past number of years through national funding and EU funding under the €4 billion Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014 - 2020.
In 2019, a further €20 million of exchequer funding was made available through the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme, to encourage farmers to measure the weaning efficiency of their suckler cows.
And, of course, the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) has provided temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132. BEAM is funded by a combination of EU aid and Exchequer support, provided in light of the difficult circumstances that Irish beef farmers have been facing as a result of the market volatility and uncertainty. Over 34,500 farmers had applied for BEAM at its closing date of 20 September, representing potential commitments of almost €78 million.
In Budget 2020, I have provided almost €85 million in targeted schemes to support sustainable beef farming. This includes almost €45 million for the BDGP, and a further €40 million for targeted supports. I intend to consult with stakeholders as to the use of these funds.
In addition, in the event of a No-Deal Brexit, my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform confirmed in Budget 2020 that a Brexit contingency fund of €650 million will be available to support our most vulnerable sectors, to be activated in tranches as the full impacts emerge. €110 million will be made available through my Department in the first tranche, of which €85 million will be provided in immediate supports for beef farmers. This will, of course, be supplemented by any exceptional aid provided from the EU under the CMO regulation.
82. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for re-opening an organic horticulture scheme. [41605/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraLatest figures indicate that there are now some 72,000 hectares under organic production in Ireland, an increase of nearly 50% on the position at the start of the current Rural Development Programme in 2014.
Following the recommendation of the Organic Strategy Group, my colleague Minister Doyle announced the re-opening of the Organic Farming Scheme on a targeted basis on the 19 November 2018. The areas targeted were areas for which there is a clear market demand, and which are critical to the further development of the Organic Sector namely horticulture, cereals and dairy. The Scheme remained opened for applications up to the 19 December and a total of 225 applications were received. The re-opening of the scheme was widely publicised at the time and all groups and their representatives on the Organic Strategy Group also publicised it to their members.
The Organic Farming Scheme, under the current RDP, has more than achieved its targets in terms of new land converted and the maintenance of organic land. The current budget allocation for the Organic Farming Scheme is now fully committed based on the current level of farmers in the scheme and I have no plans to re-open the scheme beyond last year's re-opening.
The Organic Strategy Group, in their deliberations considered the question of the Organic Farming Scheme post-2020. The inclusion of an Organic Farming Scheme in a new Rural Development Programme was recommended to stimulate and support increased organic food productions. As there will be more scope for adjustments to the scheme under a new Rural Development Programme, consideration was given by the Group to how it might operate more effectively in stimulating organic production in areas where market opportunities are greater.
CAP negotiations, currently in progress, will ultimately guide and shape the Organic Farming Scheme under the new RDP. I would urge all stakeholders to engage with the CAP consultation process currently underway and make their views known on a future scheme for the organic sector.
83. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated amount if all applications submitted to the beef emergency aid measure scheme were approved; the value of approved applications to date; the number of payments that have issued and the total value of all approved applications under the beef environmental efficiency pilot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41972/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications under the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure(BEAM) were accepted from 19 August until 20 September of this year. In total 34,517 applications were received with a potential total payment of €78,192,380.
Arrangements for the processing of these applications are in place in order to ensure the timely issuing of payments under the measure in December of this year.
Some 19,135 farmers registered their interest in participating in the Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot(BEEP) and they will qualify for payment provided they comply with the requirements to weigh each cow and calf and provide the requisite data to ICBF in accordance with the Terms and Conditions. The €20 million funding available will allow for payment of up to a maximum of €40 per calf.
Some 476,432 calves were registered to these 19,131 herds in the relevant period with a potential payment of €19,057,280 should all those calves be weighed. With three weeks remaining, 286,974 of these have had their weights recorded under BEEP to date. Payments to participants who have completed the requirements under the Pilot are scheduled to commence in the coming months.
84. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase TAMS funding. [41975/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe overall indicative budget for TAMS II for the full duration of the Rural Development Programme (2014-2020) is €395m. The annual budget allocations are, of course, subject of the usual national budgetary processes. I was very pleased, therefore, to announce that the 2020 budget for TAMS II payments will amount to €81.5m. This represents an increase of over 17% on the 2019 budget.
TAMS II continues to be very popular with Irish farmers. Over 2,600 new applications were received under tranche 15 which closed recently, when added to the applications rolled over from the previous tranche, means that there are 3,300 applications for consideration. The Deputy should also be aware that there are some 12,000 approved applications with farmers who have yet to submit payment claims. These outstanding payment claims represent committed expenditure worth approx €145m. Until such time as these approvals are acted upon or expire, the budget for TAMS must include provision for the potential expenditure involved. Current estimates indicate that the total budget available will be fully spent.
I would urge all approved applicants to submit a payment claim as soon as they have completed their approved works so that payments can be released as soon as possible.
85. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of Brexit preparedness in the agrifood sector; if the dedicated help line and email address of his Department are receiving many queries weekly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41377/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrexit, in whatever form it takes, will have a significant impact on Ireland, and requires planning by Government, businesses and citizens, as well as at EU level. My Department and its agencies have been preparing themselves and the wider agri-food sector for the potential implications, and will continue to do so, through extensive contingency planning and stakeholder engagement.
The Department has engaged with stakeholders through extensive outreach activities, including:
- direct meetings with businesses and representative associations,
- attendance at the Ploughing championships and other agricultural shows,
- participation in the Getting Ireland Brexit Ready seminars, and
- through a focused communications campaign utilising its website, social media, and print and broadcast media.
The Department is also encouraging relevant operators to register with Revenue for an EORI number, and with my Department as an importer or exporter, so that they can continue trading with the UK post-Brexit. A ‘Brexit Checklist’ has also been prepared and widely distributed in recent months.
In addition, Revenue trade data with the UK in 2018 has been used to identify nearly 30,000 agri-food importers and exporters, to whom a notice has been issued on my Department's behalf, encouraging them to take the necessary action if they haven’t already done so. My Department has also recently hosted a number of Brexit seminars on “Keeping Agri-food trade moving”, attended by about 600 businesses and representative bodies. These initiatives come on top of the stakeholder consultative meetings, sector-specific focus groups and meetings with representative bodies and individual companies that have been an ongoing component of our Brexit preparations.
My Department established a dedicated Brexit Information line and Brexit Call email address earlier this year to assist anyone looking for information on Brexit, particularly those involved in agri-food trading with the UK. The number of calls and queries has increased to approximately 100 per week as we approach the deadline of 31 October.
I would urge agri-food businesses to avail of all of these services, and in particular to register with Revenue and with my Department as a matter of urgency, if they have not already done so.
