Written Answers Nos. 41-60
41. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to ongoing delays at Dublin Port relating to inspections by his Department; the measures he is taking to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50767/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince January 1st, 2021, my Department has carried out more than 65,000 controls at Dublin Port. Phone line are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and, on average, Department staff at Dublin Port deal with 3,000 emails weekly.
From time to time, issues have been raised by individual operators regarding delays, through these communication channels. In many cases, these delays resulted from a lack of understanding of requirements and processes, or a failure to comply with legislative requirements. Consignments may only be released onto the European Single Market if they are in full compliance with EU requirements.
Whilst individual issues arise from time to time these are part and parcel of the day-to-day operations at Dublin Port. No systemic issues associated with delays have been brought to the attention of my Department. Business operators, who are experiencing delays, should contact my Department team at Dublin Port directly. These staff, who have been engaging extensively with individual businesses in helping them to adapt to the new trading environment, will be glad to assist.
42. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address the ongoing crisis in the horticulture and mushroom sectors due to peat shortages. [50712/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra43. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in implementing measures to assist the mushroom and horticulture sector due to the serious difficulties that have arisen in sourcing horticultural peat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51712/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.
I am acutely aware of the concerns in relation to the licensing of peat extraction which are generating challenges for the horticulture sector.
As the Deputy knows, he Department has no involvement in the regulation of peat extraction.
Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan T.D., established a working group, which includes a representative from my Department, to address the key issues raised in a Report on the Review of the use of Peat Moss in the Horticultural Industry. A final report from this working group is expected imminently.
Separately, my Department is actively looking at alternatives to peat and has funded two research projects to date. Furthermore, my Department’s Research Call for 2021 included a call for further research on alternatives to peat based growing media for horticultural production.
Given the Department’s areas of responsibility and recognising the importance of the horticulture sector to the economy, my Department continues to provide sustained and significant support to the sector through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Horticulture Sector.
Additionally, fruit and vegetable growers who are members of recognised Producer Organisations (POs) can access EU funding up to 50% of the eligible costs of approved Operational Programmes through the EU’s PO scheme.
I continue to engage directly with the sector, most recently meeting with the Mushroom Industry on the issues they face. Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has responsibility for the sector, has ongoing engagement directly with the horticulture sector, and has responsibility for the sector, including in her capacity as co-chair of the Horticulture Industry Forum, across a range of issues, including peat use.
44. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the €1.5 billion agri-environmental scheme that will be funded through the carbon tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51713/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork is ongoing on the development of a new agri-environmental climate measure under the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) with due regard to the proposed new Green Architecture. It is proposed that the new measure will include a range of actions encompassing agri-environment, climate, water quality and biodiversity, and will include targeting of priority habitats.
A hybrid model is being considered which means it would offer a combination of prescription-based actions with a fixed rate of payment and results-based actions where the level of payment will be dependent on results achieved.
The funding allocation for future agri-environment measures arising out of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), including the use of Carbon Tax funds, will be determined in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Work on the preparation of the overall draft CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (CSP) has intensified in my Department. Development of the plan involves a number of stages, including SWOT analysis, needs assessment, intervention design, financial allocations, target setting (including monitoring) and governance systems. The draft CSP is also subject to an ex-ante evaluation, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment including a public consultation on the draft CSP and draft Environmental Report.
A five-week public consultation on the proposed draft interventions for the CSP 2023-2027 has been completed, with the Department receiving over 1,000 responses. Department officials are currently considering these responses as the CSP is developed.
I am also consulting with farmers and other stakeholders on the content of the CSP at a series of mart meetings. I will continue to engage with farmers and all stakeholders as the CSP develops.
45. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will introduce legislation to establish an enforcement authority as per the Unfair Trading Practices Directive. [51704/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the commitment in the Programme for Government is that a new National Food Ombudsman will enforce the UTP Directive and will have a role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland. The establishment of such an Office requires primary legislation.
The Deputy will also be aware that Directive 2019/633, dealing with Unfair Trading Practices in the agricultural and food supply chain and which involves the establishment of an Enforcement Authority, was required to be transposed into national law by 1st May 2021.
It was not possible to enact the primary legislation before the May transposition deadline so, as an interim measure, I am happy to advise the Deputy that, in April this year, ahead of that deadline, I signed Statutory Instrument No. 198 of 2021 to transpose the Directive directly into Irish law.
I also established the UTP Enforcement Authority in my Department pending the finalisation of the primary legislation being prepared to establish the new Office. However, I want to assure the Deputy that the Enforcement Authority has been assigned all of the necessary legal powers to investigate complaints from suppliers, including primary producers, to carry out investigations on its own initiative, and to initiate legal proceedings for breaches of the Unfair Trading Practices defined in the Directive.
The Enforcement Authority will shortly be undertaking an awareness-raising campaign on the UTP Regulations and will be engaging with relevant stakeholders in the agricultural and food products supply chain.
In regard to the plans for establishing the new Office of Food Ombudsman or equivalent, the General Scheme of the Bill for the primary legislation is currently being prepared.
As part of those preparations, consideration is being given to the submissions made in response to the public consultation held by the Department earlier this year, and also whether the provisions of the UTP Directive need to be extended.
Once the primary legislation is finalised and the new Office is established, the Enforcement Authority functions will transfer to the new Office in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. In the meantime, it is open to suppliers to engage with the Enforcement Authority on any concerns they may have in relation to unfair trading practices.
Increasing transparency all along the food chain is something that I believe is very important to help strengthen the position of farmers, fishers and food businesses. The legislation will provide that the new Office of the Food Ombudsman or equivalent will have a specific role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland in line with the Programme for Government commitment. I intend that the new Office will build on the work already done on market transparency, including the market transparency studies commissioned by my Department as part of the work of the Beef Taskforce, which have been completed and published on gov.ie.
I also assure you, Deputy, that I am fully committed to ensuring that the Programme for Government commitment is implemented as quickly as possible and I am pleased to say that, as announced in the details of Budget 2022, €4 million has been provided in the estimates for the establishment of the new Office. I believe that the new Regulations I introduced in April are a significant step in progressing towards a more even playing field for our agricultural and food suppliers, providing them with a service that they can avail of with regard to unfair trading practices.
I am committed to progressing work in this area in order to bring much-needed transparency to the sector.
46. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts his Department has taken to diversify the location for Ireland’s food exports to EU markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51331/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDespite the recent challenges presented by COVID-19 and Brexit, I am encouraged by the fact that Irish agri-food exports to EU Member States have held up well when compared to previous years, and they exceeded €4 billion in 2020.
I believe this positive performance is a result, in part, of the commitment of the Government to providing substantial additional funding to Bord Bia in recent Budgets.
Bord Bia is continuing to use this funding to provide assistance to companies who are establishing and expanding their presence in EU markets. I strongly believe that this direct engagement with Irish companies prepares them to realise the opportunities in high-value EU markets, particularly when coupled with Bord Bia's extensive marketing and promotional activities in these markets.
The Deputy will also be aware that my Department has a network of agriculture attache's assigned to Irish Embassies around the world, including in Paris, Berlin and Rome. As well as complementing the promotional work of Bord Bia these resources bring the Department’s technical, policy and strategic expertise to resolving regulatory and political issues which arise.
Another key component of the Government's strategy to develop and diversify markets is high level Ministerial Trade Missions. Despite the challenges presented by Covid-19 Minister Heydon and myself have led a number of virtual trade missions and key customer meetings over the last year, including in France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
As public health travel restrictions are lifting, I and Minister Heydon are making arrangements for in-person engagement in these markets over the coming months. I can assure the Deputy that we will be taking every opportunity to further develop these markets for our top quality food and drink.
47. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the measures for the organic sector in Budget 2022. [50771/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am delighted to have secured a significant increase in the budget for organic farming for 2022. Funding for the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) has been increased to €21 million up from €16million last year with a further €2 million for further organic sector development measures. This increase is very welcome and addresses the growing demand from both farmers and consumers for this type of production. This effectively doubles the funding for organics since I took office less than two years ago.
As you will be aware the current Programme for Government contains a commitment to align Ireland’s organic land area with that of the current EU average of approximately 7.5% over the lifetime of this Government. Budget 2022, with its increased allocation for organic farming, will assist in working towards that. At the same time I will also be continuing to progress the implementation of the National Organic Strategy 2019-2025 which sets out ambitious growth targets for the sector by aligning it closely with market opportunities.
The additional funding to be allocated to the opening of the Organic Farming Scheme in 2022 could provide for an additional fifty thousand hectares converting to organic production in 2022. This would represent an increase in excess of 50% increase in the area currently farmed organically and takes us further along the route to the goal of 7.5% land cover. I am encouraging all farmers from all sectors to join and my Department and relevant Agencies and advisory bodies will be working with them before the opening of the scheme.
In addition to the Organic Farming Scheme, Budget 2022 will provide funding for other supports for organic farmers, such as the Organic Capital Investment Scheme and the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme. Initiatives to assist in the development of the sector such as the Organic Demonstration Farm Programme and other training and education projects will also be funded. Organic farming and production is a key priority of mine. No Minister or Government has ever funded its expansion to this extent and I intend to continue to invest in its future under the next CAP also.
48. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the working groups dealing with the national forestry policy group; the progress that has been made in streamlining the licensing process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51683/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national Forestry Policy Group members comprise the membership of the four Working Groups under Project Woodland. Project Woodland is an initiative which was launched in February with the twin objectives of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the forestry licensing system and the creation of a shared vision for the creation of woodlands in Ireland.
I am pleased to report that substantial work has been undertaken by all Working Groups and the Project Board of Project Woodland, with regular meetings held resulting in a high level of output in both terms of quality and quantity. The Project Board published its first Interim Report in July and agreed to advance two Working Group recommendations immediately: an external regulatory review and the conducting of a public consultation process on the new Forest Strategy.
The Department has selected a preferred bidder with legal and environmental expertise to carry out the review of the regulatory system.
As regards the development of a new national vision for Irish forestry, a public consultation exercise has begun. A study on Community Engagement on Forestry and Woodlands is underway, a tender issued for the Strategic Environmental Analysis/Appropriate Assessment process and quotes sought for external consultants to conduct an omnibus survey of public attitudes to trees, woods and woodland. A tender will issue in the coming weeks for a public survey on the vision for forestry to 2050. Furthermore later this year and into 2022 bi-lateral stakeholder meetings will be held, deliberative dialogue will be undertaken in the form of a national event, a Youth Forum will be convened and a National Stakeholder event will be scheduled.
In addition, an independent Systems Analyst is conducting an end-to-end process review with a view to licensing process improvement and an interim report on this work will be submitted to the Project Board in the near future.
There has been significant work carried out on all other aspects of Project Woodland too and updates on these be will contained in the second interim report of Project Board which will issue shortly. These include:
- A pilot project for pre-application discussions.
- Payment of an Environmental Planning Grant.
- A new Customer Charter for forestry.
- A Communication Plan that assists my Department in conveying the multi-functional benefits of forestry.
- A review of the organisational structure of forestry within my Department.
- Commission of a Training Needs analysis.
- Definition of the backlog and associated dashboards.
- Actions relating to reduction of the backlog.
Alongside Project Woodland, we continue to look at streamlining our processes. Changes were made to the way in which ecological reports were prepared, freeing up ecologists to spend more time to deal with the ecological assessment of the application.
My officials also examined all licences referred to ecology. This resulted in approximately 50% of felling applications being returned to applicants or their Registered Forester, seeking further information, often a well-developed harvest plan.
We have begun to receive responses to these requests and would urge all applicants and registered foresters to reply to our communication so that these cases may progress. In terms of afforestation licences it was found that just over 10% of 550 files have supporting ecology habitat information. It was highlighted to forestry companies earlier in the summer they should examine their afforestation applications that are referred to the Ecology Unit, and to provide additional ecology information and engage an Ecologist as required.
As regards road licences a cohort of these were also returned to registered foresters or applicants for further information. Good quality applications are an essential part of a functioning licensing system.
While there are challenges in delivering licences, I am pleased to note that licensing output in September at 585 licences was the highest in any one month since April 2019 and we hope to sustain an increased level of output to year end.
In conclusion, I would like to recognise the momentum and progress made under Project Woodland and I acknowledge the commitment shown by all involved, particularly the representatives from the Forestry Policy Group who make up the membership of the Working Groups.
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett who has overall responsibility for the sector, I am committed to the success of this Project and by working together I believe we can deliver on its ambitions for the benefit of the forestry sector and society at large.
49. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he intends to bring forward to support young farmers as part of the CAP strategic plan. [50912/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I reaffirm my commitment to supporting young farmers and generational renewal.
Details of the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 are not yet complete and consultations with stakeholders are continuing.
The EU proposals for the new CAP from 2023 include provision for supports for young farmers. With regard to direct payment supports under the next CAP, the Department proposes to operate a National Reserve under the new CAP from 2023 to prioritise access to payment entitlements for the categories of young farmers and new farmers.
The Department also proposes to operate the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers from 2023 which will build on the success of the Young Farmers Scheme in place since 2015.
The proposed National Reserve from 2023 would provide successful applicants with an allocation of payment entitlements on eligible land on which they hold no entitlements and/or a top up to the national average entitlement value on existing entitlements they hold where these entitlements have a value below the national average entitlement value.
The proposed Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers would provide successful applicants with a payment per eligible hectare, subject to a maximum of 50 hectares, for a maximum term of payment of five years. There is provision in the proposed regulatory structure for the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers to allow Young Farmers Scheme participants who have not reached the end of their term of eligibility under the scheme to roll over into the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers for the remainder of their five-year term of eligibility.
With regard to supports for young farmers under Pillar II of the new CAP, the proposed new On-Farm Investment Scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan will address key environmental objectives through the provision of grant aid for new capital investments that contribute to environmental, farm safety or animal health and welfare objectives. It is being proposed to provide a higher payment to qualified Young Farmers. A continuation of the grant aid rates of between 40 to 60 % are currently being proposed.
The outline of any schemes supported under the next CAP and details of the Terms and Conditions for eligibility under such schemes will be set out once Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan is completed and approved.
50. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures introduced in Budget 2022 to support the organic sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51559/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am delighted to have secured a significant increase in the budget for organic farming for 2022. Funding for the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) has been increased to €21 million up from €16million last year with a further €2 million for further organic sector development measures. This increase is very welcome and addresses the growing demand from both farmers and consumers for this type of production. This effectively doubles the funding for organics since I took office less than two years ago.
As you will be aware the current Programme for Government contains a commitment to align Ireland’s organic land area with that of the current EU average of approximately 7.5% over the lifetime of this Government. Budget 2022, with its increased allocation for organic farming, will assist in working towards that. At the same time I will also be continuing to progress the implementation of the National Organic Strategy 2019-2025 which sets out ambitious growth targets for the sector by aligning it closely with market opportunities.
The additional funding to be allocated to the opening of the Organic Farming Scheme in 2022 could provide for an additional fifty thousand hectares converting to organic production in 2022. This would represent in excess an increase of 50% increase in the area currently farmed organically and takes us further along the route to the goal of 7.5% land cover. I am encouraging all farmers from all sectors to join and my Department and relevant Agencies and advisory bodies will be working with them before the opening of the scheme.
In addition to the Organic Farming Scheme, Budget 2022 will provide funding for other supports for organic farmers, such as the Organic Capital Investment Scheme and the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme. Initiatives to assist in the development of the sector such as the Organic Demonstration Farm Programme and other training and education projects will also be funded. Organic farming and production is a key priority of mine. No Minister or Government has ever funded its expansion to this extent and I intend to continue to invest in its future under the next CAP also.
51. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional details on the €80 million for farm investments through TAMS announced as part of Budget 2022; the specific supports for solar energy installation; the other supports that may be offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51684/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a wide variety of items available under the suite of seven measures under TAMS. The allocation of €80million in Budget 2022 has secured the continuation of the TAMS scheme in its current format for 2022.
Solar energy for on-farm use is grant aided under the Animal Welfare Nutrient Storage and Safety Scheme, Young Farmers Captial Investment Scheme, the Organic Capital Investment Scheme and the Pig and Poultry Scheme measures under TAMS. The solar PV systems grant aided under TAMS includes Solar PV Panels and Solar PV Rechargeable Batteries. I am determined that farmers will be at the heart of our policies on renewable energy and want to them to be able to examine all the opportunities for diversifying their income that this presents. Full details of all investment items are available on the Department's website.
I am pleased that TAMS has proved to be a very successful scheme in terms of uptake. To date, total expenditure under the seven measures of TAMS, including transitional expenditure, has exceeded €313million with commitments of an additional €145million made to scheme participants who have yet to draw down those grants.
Some 44,780 applications have been approved under the scheme, including 172 applications for solar investments to date. I would like to encourage any farmer with a payment claim outstanding for TAMS to submit them on the online system as soon as possible to allow for the early issue of payments. This allocation of €80m for next year will help us meet our commitments and allow for new commitments to farmers who wish to invest in their farms for the future.
52. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date on the development of a deep-water pier in Ros a’ Mhíl, Contae na Gaillimhe particularly with the projected rapid growth of the offshore renewable energy industry off the west coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50867/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I had the pleasure of visiting Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre last week where I had the opportunity to meet with key stakeholders and see for myself the location of the proposed Deep-Water berthing project. Earlier this year I allocated €1.09million for capital works in Ros an Mhíl, of which €100,000 is to further explore the potential and benefits of a Deepwater Quay project and review the Wave Modelling studies carried out in 2002. The final reports of these studies are expected by the end of the year and will be important contributors to any future decision on funding such a project.
During my visit I also received a copy of a report commissioned by Údarás Na Gaeltachta which identifies Ros an Mhíl as a prime location for the development of a strategic hub to support the floating offshore wind sector. There is a broad context here of cross-cutting Government policies and I understand that Údarás will be taking this report forward with Minister Humphreys so that there can be a rounded consideration of the policy issues and investment needs raised.
Indeed, the Údarás report is very timely as last week I also received the Seafood Taskforce report which firmly places an emphasis on creating opportunities for Ireland’s fishing communities to offset the impact of the loss of access to UK waters through the Trade & Co-operation Agreement between the UK and the European Union.
That said, I am mindful that the primary role and function of the Fishery Harbour Centres is to support the seafood industry. Any future decision to formally initiate the Deepwater Quay project in Ros an Mhíl will have to reflect available Exchequer funding and competing national priorities.
53. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether a close to nature model of forestry is likely to be adopted as policy in the new forestry strategy currently being developed through Project Woodland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51555/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Project Woodland was launched in February this year. It has the twin objectives of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the forestry licensing system, and of creating a shared national vision for forestry in Ireland by means of a new forest strategy.
In developing the forest strategy all matters pertaining to the future of forestry in Ireland, including a close to nature model of forestry, will as I understand it, be considered.
The structure of Project Woodland is such that four Working Groups, led by an independent Chair and with stakeholders drawn from the Forestry Policy Group, each deal with a specific aspect of the project. Working Group 2 is developing the national forest strategy, and working collaboratively has made significant progress, securing the approval of the Project Board to a detailed public consultation plan.
This plan aims for an effective and inclusive public consultation process which will now be undertaken as a matter of priority.
There are various stands to this approach. Irish Rural Link has already begun work on a Community Engagement Study on Forestry and Woodlands as commissioned by Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector.
A tender issued in September for the Strategic Environmental Analysis/Appropriate Assessment process, including public consultation on the draft plans and Environmental Report. In addition quotes have recently been sought for external consultants to conduct an omnibus survey of public attitudes to trees, woods and woodlands, and a tender will issue shortly for a survey on the vision for forestry to 2050 and for the next 100 years to 2121.
It is also the intention to hold bi-lateral stakeholder meetings, to undertake a deliberative dialogue in the form of a national event , to convene a Youth Forum and to schedule a National Stakeholder event.
The new Strategy, once formed, will be the enabler of the next National Forestry Programme, which is due to commence in 2023.
I would like to invite everybody with an interest in forestry in Ireland to actively contribute to this consultation process.
It's worth saying that we do have a Close-to-Nature forestry management system as part of the current National Forestry Programme. Grant funding is available for forest owners who want to apply this system, known as Continuous Cover Forestry, under the Woodland Improvement Scheme The scheme provides funding for conversion of existing forests to Continuous Cover Forestry over a 12-year transitional period. Successful applicants are eligible for three payments of €750 for three separate interventions.
I look forward to the outcome of the consultative process which will inform a new vision for forestry in Ireland and which will no doubt encompass views on the close to nature model.
54. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that were introduced in Budget 2022 to support the organic sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50768/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current Programme for Government contains a commitment to align Ireland’s organic land area with that of the current EU average of approximately 7.5% over the lifetime of this Government. Budget 2022, with its increased allocation for organic farming, will assist in working towards that.
I am delighted to have secured a big increase in the budget for organic farming for 2022. Funding for the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) has been increased to €21 million up from €16million last year with a further €2 million for further organic sector development measures. The definitive allocations will be set out in the 2022 Revised Estimates Volume which will be published later this year.
This increase in funding will allow for the re-opening of the Organic Farming Scheme early in 2022 and I hope to attract as many new farmers as possible to join. The funding allows potentially 50,000 new hectares to farmed organically and I will be encouraging farmers form all sectors to join.
As well as the Organic Farming Scheme, my Department have several different supports in place specifically for organic farmers, such as the Organic Capital Investment Scheme and the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme.
The Organic Capital Investment Scheme provides support specifically for Organic Farmers with the aim of ensuring a regular supply of high-quality organic produce for the market. It enables farmers to apply for grant aid for investment in buildings and machinery. Funding for this type of investment is included under the funding for TAMS in Budget 2022.
The Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme(OPIG) is also available to aid organic processors who wish to invest in developing facilities for the processing, preparation, grading, packing and storage of organic products. Aid is available for off-farm projects and processors and some €1.2 million has been allocated to this Scheme for 2022.
In addition to these specific supports for organic farmers and producers, my Department funds other initiatives to assist in the development of the sector such as providing funding for the Organic Demonstration Farm Programme and other training and education initiatives, €250,000 has been allocated for this purpose for 2022.
55. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has reviewed the proposals on the integration of forestry, tree planting, woodland creation, afforestation and woodland management into the CAP Strategic Plan as supplied by Forest Industries Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51248/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank Forest Industries Ireland and all stakeholders for the submission of proposals on the further integration of tree and forest planting initiatives in the CAP Strategic Plan. These proposals are currently under review by my officials who are in the process of finalising the first draft interventions that will form part of the CAP Strategic Plan.
A consultation on the draft interventions of the CAP Strategic Plan which was conducted in August and September this year has been met with a lot of interest and my Department has received many submissions in response which are currently being examined.
This consultation has taken place in addition to the discussions with the CAP Consultative Committee that have been ongoing over the last two years and more recent bi-lateral meetings with stakeholder organisations, such as Forestry Industries Ireland. There were two such bilateral meetings in recent weeks between my Department and FII and we also presented to the COFORD Council.
All submissions received during the overall consultation process will be taken into consideration in the amended draft interventions.
As outlined in the draft interventions that have been published by my Department, several tree planting measures have been proposed to be included in the CAP Strategic Plan. Due to the long-term nature of forestry, it is not proposed to include forest planting measures in the new CAP measures, but a separate Forestry Programme which will be the successor of the current Forestry Programme 2014-2020 (extended to end 2022) will be developed.
The planting of trees has the potential to play a significant part in our environmental priorities especially water quality, biodiversity and climate. I remain committed to integration between the new Forest Strategy and the next CSP to ensure that measures in both will complement each other and lead to increased levels of tree planting.
56. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers with existing tree plantations on their land-holdings will be allowed to count these in terms of carbon credits. [51252/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is obliged to report and account for all greenhouse gases in Ireland under our international obligations and this includes sequestration and emissions from forestry.
This does not imply ownership but simply reflects the requirement for those reductions and emissions to be included in the State’s climate inventory. There is no such similar mandatory accounting framework for farmers or other private individuals. Forestry is not part of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.
However, there is potential for some trading of forestry-generated carbon on voluntary markets which does take place in other countries mainly for corporate social responsibility by businesses rather than for mandatory compliance.
Generally voluntary carbon markets are setup to incentivise activities that are in addition to what currently takes place and don’t generally provide funding for existing forests that are already sequestering carbon. However this is for the market to decide.
Forest owners can directly benefit from voluntary carbon markets depending on particular circumstances. For example this can be where a landowner partners with a private company who wish to be associated with the environmental benefits of the farmer’s forestry and will pay the farmer for this right.
My Department is at the early stages of exploring opportunities for the development of such a voluntary carbon market in Ireland.
This would look at encouraging reductions in emissions and at the same time develop a potential alternative source of income for landowners and foresters.
This could be similar to our existing Woodland Environment Fund which includes a mix of private finance and state funding to pay farmers to establish native woodlands and this model has worked well or could be other voluntary models with similar outcomes.
Such carbon farming is highlighted as an option in the EU Green Deal and the European Commission is examining ways of encouraging activities that remove carbon across sectors, including involvement by the voluntary carbon trading sector.
We will work with stakeholders and will explore options for the development of such tools which encourage the removal of carbon in line with these developments.
At the moment we directly fund afforestation by providing a range of grants, premiums and tax incentives on the sale of timber but there may be opportunities for adjusting this model in future through complementary voluntary carbon markets for example.
I am committed to putting farmers and forest owners at the very centre of this space.
57. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there was no new support measures provided to suckler beef farmers in Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50914/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI'm pleased to have secured over €1.8 billion of funding in Budget 2020 for the overall sector. This is in addition to almost €1.2 billion in EU funded direct payments received annually to support farm incomes and reward good agricultural and environmental practices.
Farmers can have confidence that this budget protects farm family income and supports action to improve safety and sustainability on farms. I have succeeded in maintaining all of the crucial farm schemes and the budget provision will also allow us to provide additional funding for a number of policy priorities. I am committed to supporting our suckler and sheep sectors now and into the future.
More than €100 million will be provided in targeted supports for the beef and sheep sectors including BDGP, BEEP-S, Sheep Welfare Scheme and Dairy Calf Programme
Other measures relevant to the livestock sectors include:
- €7 m for Enterprise Ireland capital investment schemes, to support the meat and dairy sector to invest in greater product and market diversification
- €4m for the establishment of the Office of the Food Ombudsman
- €80m for on farm investments through TAMS including specific supports for solar energy installation
- A tax package that protects the stamp duty relief for young, trained farmers, and stock relief.
- An additional €2m to support farm safety initiatives
Within the 2022 provision some €872 million allows key Rural Development Programme and forestry supports to remain available through the transitional period between the two CAP programmes. This provides the budget to extend, or rollover, existing RDP schemes from 2021, including the one listed by the Deputy - ANC at €250m, and also the BDGP and Sheep Welfare Scheme which I have already referenced. These schemes are vital income supports for farmers and provide a measurable public good.
I have worked closely with my colleague Minister McGrath to finalise a financial package for the new CAP that will support the agri -food sector and rural communities in the period from 2023 to 2028.
In a time of transition, farmers can have confidence that this budget protects farm family income and supports action to improve safety and sustainability on farms.
58. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to support the recognition of carbon removal on farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49991/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very much aware of the important role that on-farm carbon removals and carbon pool protection will play in meeting the sectors challenging climate change targets going forward. It is important that the increased removal and storage of atmospheric carbon brought about through the activities of our farmers is not only recognised in the National Inventory Reporting accounting system but also that farmers receive the recognition for their efforts in this area.
In recent months I have invested in a number of initiatives which will provide the scientific evidence needed to accurately quantify the on-farm carbon removals happening on our farms. I believe that this data will not only refine the emission profile of our farms but it will also inform policy decisions in this area to better support farmers in their efforts to sequester, store and protect carbon through better management decisions.
I would like to highlight the recent establishment of the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory (NASCO) with supporting technology for the measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a range of different soil and farm types. The outputs from this project will place Ireland at the forefront of EU carbon sequestration research. This carbon flux infrastructure will be located on a number of Teagasc Signpost farms.
In tandem with the Soil Carbon Observatory I have also recently launched the Pilot Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme which will provide a baseline assessment of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) across the country.
In addition, Teagasc has also recently commenced a research project called “Farm-Carbon – Farm Hedgerows and Non-forest Woodland Carbon”. This project will provide a deeper understanding of hedgerows and non-forest woodland as carbon stocks in agricultural landscapes and will allow researchers to identify approaches to maintain and enhance this contribution.
The knowledge gained from these activities I believe will place Ireland at the forefront of research in carbon farming while also allowing for the refinement of our reporting to the National Inventory further emphasising the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
59. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to advance proposals that will encourage the development of anaerobic digestion on Irish farms. [50716/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am convinced that there is a genuine potential to develop anaerobic digestion on Irish farms.
From the outset it should be noted that energy policy formation, including renewable energy, is the direct responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). However, I and officials within my Department continually engage with Minister Ryan and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications on all energy related matters from an agricultural perspective, as well as a wide range of industry and other stakeholder groupings.
The potential for the agricultural and forestry sector to contribute to the renewable energy sector through the provision of biomass and agricultural feedstocks is well recognised. In recent months officials within my Department have engaged extensively with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on their recent National Heat Decarbonisation Study project which aims to assess, amongst other things, the ability of the agricultural sector to provide relevant feedstocks to the Anaerobic Digestion industry.
My Department continues to engage with farmers and other relevant stakeholders as part of its regulatory role in the Anaerobic Digestion industry specifically when animal-by-products are utilised as a feedstock for Anaerobic Digestion. There are currently twelve anaerobic digesters producing biogas in operation nationally that are approved and under license by my Department.
Engagement with interested stakeholders, including farmers and farm organisations has been further strengthened through the current DECC-led public consultation on the Introduction of a Renewable Heat Obligation which will further enhance the demand and consequent feasibility of the developing Anaerobic Digestion industry in Ireland.
The development of an anaerobic digestion industry in Ireland must be based on scientific research and country specific data. Towards this end my Department continues to support research, development and demonstration in this particular area.
Two projects in particular which have received part-funding from my Department through the European Innovation Partnerships initiative (EIP), as part of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 will provide this much needed information. The Bio-refinery Glas (small scale farmer-led green bio-refineries) and Irish Bio-energy Association (IrBEA) (small biogas demonstration programme) have both been awarded funding of over €900,000 each. I look forward to seeing the results of these projects which will provide valuable information of specific relevance to Irish farmers.
60. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he will ensure optimum delivery of biodiversity restoration across all farms in Ireland given the declaration of a biodiversity crisis by Dáil Éireann in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51526/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBiodiversity conservation and restoration is supported through a variety of schemes operated by my department at both national and local level. The Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) includes agricultural actions that promote and preserve biodiversity both directly and indirectly. The three-tier hierarchy system prioritizes actions which target the preservation of priority habitats and species, through promotion of sustainable farming practices.
The deputy may also be aware that earlier this year my department launched the Results-based Environment-Agri Pilot project (REAP), which links payments to the quality of the environmental outcomes delivered on each participating farm.
In a similar vein, the European Innovation Partnerships (EIP’s) funded by this Department as part of the Rural Development Programme, look to address biodiversity and other environmental challenges at a local level, in collaboration with the farming community and other interested stakeholders. This programme covers a diverse range of initiaves from the protection of the pearl mussel to the improvement of habitats and semi-natural habitats in upland areas.
As part of budget 2021, funding of €5 million was dedicated to developing a pilot 'Farm Environmental Study' programme. This programme will begin the process of developing a national baseline database of farm scale habitat and biodiversity data along with additional environmental parameters. The Department is at an advanced stage in finalising the tender to implement this programme in 2021. The information gathered will enhance farmer knowledge of habitat and biodiversity on their farms, while also providing information to this Department which could be used to target future Agri-environment and Climate measures as part of the Common Agricultural Policy.
The knowledge gained from these programmes will be central to delivering benefits for Biodiversity, Water and Climate in this country.
