Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2021
202. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1990 and 1993 of 24 March 2021, if his officials have developed proposals to integrate afforestation into organic farming initiatives as part of the CSP in view of his confidence that the interlinkages are very much understood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27097/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraForestry is one of the many land use options available to farmers throughout the country and Department officials are currently examining proposals that would allow the integration of some elements of afforestation into organic farming. Agroforestry has the potential to deliver multiple benefits for productive, resilient and environmentally integrated farm systems. It can enhance farm productivity, increase wildlife, improve soil health and animal welfare, manage water flow and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Agroforestry can be designed in a way that avoids potential trade-offs between food production and other public goods. Along with Minister Hackett, I want to build on the synergies that clearly exist between organic farming and forestry and these are being considered for inclusion in the upcoming CAP proposals currently being developed in the Department.
I am committed to a strong CAP Strategic Plan and to an ambitious successor to the Forestry Programme, both of which I would see as delivering for farmers, rural communities and for society as a whole. I also reiterate my commitment to better integration between both of these policies as envisaged in the Programme for Government and would encourage all stakeholders to make their views known on these important processes as they progress.
