Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
1049. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a method (details supplied) for calculating the organic output stocking rate can be used for the 2019 BEAM scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13550/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) was 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 participants gave a commitment to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on the holding by 5% for the period 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021 as compared with the period 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2019 as recorded on the Department's AIM system. Article 1 (3) of Comission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132 clearly sets out that measures taken by Ireland shall be aimed at reducing production or restrucing the sector.
The annual nutrient excretion rates for bovines within BEAM are based on the Nitrates Regulations (S.I. No. 605/2017) and table 6 within it. Cattle (0-1 year old) are calculated as producing 24kg of Nitrogen per year. There is no provision within the Nitrates Regulations to exclude bovines less than six months of age.
