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Tuesday, 2 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 1188-1205

Agriculture Schemes

Ceisteanna (1188)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1188. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the target number of new participants for the organic farming scheme in 2022; when the scheme will reopen; if he if is proposing to reform the scheme in any manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52427/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am committed to increasing the area of land farmed organically in Ireland and am delighted to have secured a significant increase in the budget for organic farming for 2022.

Funding for the Organic Farming Scheme has been increased to €21 million, up from €16 million last year, with a further €2 million for further organic sector development measures.

This increase is most welcome and addresses the growing demand from both farmers and consumers for this type of production. It effectively doubles the funding for organics since I took office less than two years ago.

As the Deputy will be aware, the current Programme for Government contains a commitment to align Ireland’s organic land area with that of the EU average of approximately 7.5%.

The additional funding to be allocated to the opening of the OFS in 2022 could provide for an additional 50,000 hectares converting to organic production in 2022.

While it is possible to provide the estimated number of hectares that can be funded, the number of farmers expected to participate in the scheme will obviously depend on the size of the farms that will be the subject of the applications in 2022.

I am encouraging all farmers from all sectors to join, and my Department and the relevant agencies and advisory bodies will be working with them before the opening of the scheme in early 2022.

It is not my intention to amend the Organic Farming Scheme for 2022 but consideration is currently being given to the measures that will be supported under the new CAP Strategic Plan that will continue to develop the organic sector in Ireland.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (1189)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1189. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation for new afforestation grants in 2022; the rate that they will be paid at; if they will be paid at a premium to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52428/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am pleased to report that this year’s Budget delivered strong support for the forestry sector with an allocation of over €100m for 2022.

I look forward to using this funding for the planting of trees which is at the centre of our climate strategy. This funding allows us to fund up to 8,000 new hectares of afforestation subject to new applications received and processed.

The current Forestry Programme 2014-2020 (extended to end 2022) provides significant supports for afforestation and includes 12 different planting categories to promote a good species mix and covers 100% of the cost of establishing a forest.

The scheme also pays an annual premium to the landowner of up to €680 per hectare payable each year for 15 years. For 2022, there has been no change in the rates of grants and premiums payable, and the same rates are payable to both farmers and non-farmers.

Measures included in the programme are voluntary and comprise the main Afforestation Scheme (incorporating Native Woodland Establishment, Agro-Forestry and Forestry for Fibre), as well as a variety of support schemes to help forest owners with the management of their forests, including timber mobilisation.

This approach has resulted in over 28,000 hectares of forestry having been planted on private lands during the Programme so far. The money will also help to progress the programme of reform and delivery of a new forest strategy which is happening under Project Woodland.

The current grant and premium rates payable are shown in the tables below.

GPC

1st Grant Ha

2nd Grant Ha

Additional fencing Allocation (IS436)140m/Ha

Total Grant Available Ha

GPC 1 – Unenclosed

€1,605

€535

€600

€2,740

GPC 2 – Sitka spruce / Lodgepole pine

€2,330

€775

€600

€3,705

GPC 3 – 10% Diverse Conifer e.g. Sitka spruce and 10% broadleaves

€2,410

€805

€600

€3,815

GPC 4 – Diverse Conifer e.g., Scots pine, Douglas Fir

€2,785

€925

€600

€4,310

GPC 5 – Broadleaf e.g. sycamore

€3,960

€1,320

€600

€5,880

GPC 6 – Oak

€4,215

€1,405

€600

€6,220

GPC 7 – Beech

€4,215

€1,405

€600

€6,220

GPC 8 – Alder and Birch

€2,695

€900

€600

€4,195

GPC 9 – Native Woodland Establishment (oak-birch-holly-hazel)

€4,215

€1,405

€600

€6,220

GPC 10 – Native Woodland Establishment (alder-oak woodland)

€3,960

€1,320

€600

€5,880

GPC 11 – Agro-forestry

€4,215

€1,405

€600

€6,220

GPC 12 – Forestry-for-Fibre

€2,410

€805

€600

€3,815

GPC

Annual Premium Rate <10ha

Annual Premium Rate >10ha

Premium Duration(years)

GPC 1 – Unenclosed

€185

€190

15

GPC 2 – Sitka spruce / Lodgepole pine

€440

€450

15

GPC 3 – 10% Diverse Conifer e.g. Sitka spruce and 10% broadleaves

€510

€520

15

GPC 4 – Diverse Conifer e.g., Scots pine, Douglas Fir

€590

€600

15

GPC 5 – Broadleaf e.g. sycamore

€605

€620

15

GPC 6 – Oak

€645

€660

15

GPC 7 – Beech

€645

€660

15

GPC 8 – Alder and Birch

€605

€620

15

GPC 9 – Native Woodland Establishment (oak-birch-holly-hazel)

€665

€680

15

GPC 10 – Native Woodland Establishment (alder-oak woodland)

€665

€680

15

GPC 11 – Agro-forestry

€645

€660

5

GPC 12 – Forestry-for-Fibre

€510

€520

15

Agriculture Schemes

Ceisteanna (1190)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1190. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount allocated to his Department through the carbon tax in 2020, 2021 and 2022; the schemes these funds were spent on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52429/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In 2020, carbon tax of €3 million in capital funding was allocated to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) which was utilised on measures to quantify land-based carbon sequestration and carbon emissions.

In 2021, another allocation of €3 million capital was provided, which is due to be spent on a continuation of those measures. Furthermore, in 2021, an additional current allocation of €20 million carbon tax was provided which is being used to fund the new Results Based Agri Environment Pilot (REAP) programme.

For 2022, a further allocation of €3 million in capital funding will facilitate continued capacity building towards the development of climate focused pilot schemes.

DAFM's allocation of current carbon tax funding has been deferred until 2023 to further bolster the new Agri Environmental scheme as part of the next CAP programme.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Department is currently developing a CAP Strategic Plan for the period 2023-2027 and it is intended that the carbon tax funding, including the deferred carbon tax allocation of €46 million in 2022, will be made available under the Plan, and under subsequent plans to 2030, as the funding comes on stream.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government commitment provides for €1.5 billion Carbon Tax funding over the period 2020-2030. The carbon tax funding is expected to increase year on year with the largest revenue expected to be available in the later years.

The drawdown of €46 million of the total €49 million allocated in 2022 has been deferred to 2023 so that a total of €723 million of carbon tax funding will be made over the period of the CAP Strategic Plan 2023 to 2027. The remaining funds will be made available in the next programming period.

The Department’s view is that the funding should be programmed into the CSP to ensure compliance with agriculture state aid rules and ensure Commission approval for the interventions proposed and coherence with the overall green architecture proposed for the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027.

Farm Inspections

Ceisteanna (1191)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1191. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farm inspections carried out in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52431/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Based on clarification by the Deputy that this query relates to on-farm welfare inspections, the number of such inspections in each of the years in question is set out below:

2016: 764 inspections

2017: 1669 inspections

2018: 2263 inspections

2019: 1947 inspections

2020: 1761 inspections

2021 (to date) : 1073 inspections.

The above welfare inspections are carried out by my Departments veterinary and technical staff for a variety of reasons. The majority are carried out to ensure compliance with relevant EU and national legislation, with farms selected on the basis of random selection or based on risk criteria. The maintenance of high animal welfare standards in Ireland, as set out in Ireland's first animal welfare strategy (Working together for Animal Welfare: Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025) remains a key priority for my Department.

Animal Diseases

Ceisteanna (1192, 1197)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1192. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of TB tests carried out from 2016 to date; the positivity rate; the total cost of same to his Department; the EU contribution to same; the Exchequer contribution by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52432/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1197. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of increased funding in respect of TB in 2022; the way the funding will be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52437/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1192 and 1197 together.

Following many successful years of reducing bovine TB levels to the benefit of Irish Farmers, there is a concerning incremental increase in the disease since 2016. Attachment 1 shows (1) the number of TB tests carried out on animals from 2016 to date in 2021 and (2) Herd incidence which is the positivity rate of herds tested for the same period. There are positive indications of progress though; the TB situation for 2021 is likely to represent an improvement compared to 2020.

Attachment 2 shows the expenditure breakdown of the bovine TB programme from 2016 to 2020 - including cost of tests, EU contribution and Exchequer contribution. These figures and the methodology underpinning them were recently published in a cost benefit analysis report completed by Grant Thornton. Final figures for 2021 will be published at the end of the year but year to date figures indicate spending has increased by 19% over the same period last year. As part of my on-going commitment to eradicating this disease, I have sanctioned an additional €1m in funding, for 2022, for the wildlife programme which is an integral element of the overall programme.

While the farmer contribution to the programme is significant at an estimated €35 million, this has remained broadly stable since 2017. Conversely, the contribution from the Irish taxpayer increased by over €11 million from €46 million to €57 million between 2018 and 2020. This rate of increase is not sustainable. There will be a decrease in EU funding towards the programme in 2022 and again in subsequent years and there is a strong possibility that EU will cease funding entirely.

I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional burden associated with a TB breakdown and we must do everything we can, working together as a sector, to tackle this problem. Earlier this year, I launched a new Bovine TB Eradication Strategy 2021- 2030. The implementation of this strategy is overseen by the established TB Stakeholder Forum along with support from three working groups on science, implementation, and finance to ensure that all aspects of the Strategy are addressed.

I would like to direct you to www.bovinetb.ie where both the Grant Thornton Cost Benefit analysis and the TB Strategy are published.

Table

Table

Farm Safety

Ceisteanna (1193)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1193. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to spend the €2 million in additional funds allocated to farm safety in budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52433/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

To highlight the importance of farm safety, the Government assigned my ministerial colleague, Martin Heydon, TD the specific responsibility for Farm Safety in his portfolio.

The Department currently has in place a range of measures to promote farm safety. The proposals for the dedicated farm safety budget of €2 million are in the process of being finalised and will be announced in due course.

Question No. 1194 answered with Question No. 1177.

Animal Welfare

Ceisteanna (1195)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1195. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding allocated to ex gratia animal welfare grants in the years 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52435/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 2020 budget allocation available for awards of grants to animal welfare organisations was €2.435m. Savings elsewhere in the Department's vote contributed to the eventual awarding of €3.2 million to 101 organisations in December 2020.

A doubling of funding by 2022 will be on the basis of doubling the 2020 budget allocation, taking into account my Department's policy objectives and financial resources available.

In the call for applications this year and, in keeping with the policy direction outlined the new Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, animal welfare bodies have been advised that the level of funding available and the disbursement method for 2021 will be determined taking account of new policy objectives.

Applicants have been advised that an emphasis on the ‘One Health, One Welfare’ approach and dissemination of education and knowledge to improve animal welfare will be taken into account for 2021 and going forward.

I will award this year's Animal Welfare Grants in December.

Credit Availability

Ceisteanna (1196)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

1196. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding allocated to flexible loan schemes through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, SBCI, for farmers, fishers and food and drink SMEs in each of the years 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52436/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department, in partnership with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Finance, has worked with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to deliver a number of loan schemes which support SMEs in Ireland, including farmers, fishers and food & drink businesses, as follows:

Future Growth Loan Scheme (FGLS) provides long-term unsecured capital finance.

Year

Loans Sanctioned at year end

Loans Sanctioned to Farmers

Loans Sanctioned to Fishers

Loans Sanctioned to Food Businesses

2019

€126.9m to 646 borrowers

€36.4m to 289 borrowers

€4.5m to 8 borrowers

€10.5m to 46 borrowers

2020

€539.1m to 2,771 borrowers

€130.2m to 1,111 borrowers

€9.8m to 24 borrowers

€45.9m to 213 borrowers

2021 to date

€735.7m to 3,461 borrowers

€157.2m to 1,287 borrowers

€10.9m to 29 borrowers

€67.7m to 279 borrowers

SBCI Working Capital Scheme (SBCI WCS) (comprising the Brexit Loan Scheme and the Covid-19 Working Capital Scheme) provides working capital support to those affected by Brexit and the pandemic. This facility is now closed and has been replaced by the CCGS and the BILS (see below).

Year

Loans Sanctioned at year end

Loans Sanctioned to Farmers

Loans Sanctioned to Fishers

Loans Sanctioned to Food Businesses

2019

€47.9m to 224 borrowers

N/A

N/A

€9.6m to 38 borrowers

2020

€182.0m to 1236 borrowers

N/A

N/A

€26.2m to 208 borrowers

2021

€185.7m to 1,279 borrowers

N/A -

N/A

€25.4m to 214 borrowers

Note: Due to technical issues related to the InnovFin guarantee, farmers and fishers were not eligible for the SBCI WCS. Where a loan is sanctioned but not subsequently drawn down, this can result in a reduction in the overall loans sanctioned for a subsequent period.

COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme (CCGS) facilitates access to finance for eligible businesses that have been negatively impacted as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19.

Year

Loans Sanctioned to year end

Loans Sanctioned to Farmers

Loans Sanctioned to Fishers

Loans Sanctioned to Food Businesses (includes Accommodation and Food Services)

2019

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

2020

€98.2m to 1,890 borrowers

€11.2m to 295 borrowers

€0.6m to 17 borrowers

€12.3m to 244 borrowers

2021 to date

€480.7m to 7,187 borrowers

€52.3m to 1,165 borrowers

€3.3m to 46 borrowers

€70.5m to 940 borrowers

Brexit Impact Loan Scheme (BILS) is a medium-term, lower cost scheme to fund working capital and investments for businesses, including primary producers, impacted by Brexit and Covid-19. Recently launched, the Scheme opened for applications on 14 October with no loan data available at present.

Question No. 1197 answered with Question No. 1192.
Question No. 1198 answered with Question No. 1180.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (1199)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

1199. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding is available for groups (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52473/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am very conscious of the important role that the sheep sector plays in the continued growth and development of our agri-food sector, and its valuable contribution to the rural economy.

The strong performance of the sector in 2020 has continued into 2021 and I am delighted that farmers are being rewarded from the market for their hard work.

Reductions in production globally and increased demand are expected to support continued strong performance throughout 2021. The current average price is €6.07 per kg, which is 20% above the same period last year.

In the context of the next CAP, and in line with our commitment in the Programme for Government, enhanced administrative support for the establishment of recognised producer organisations is proposed as part of the sectoral interventions. Both the beef and sheep sector will be eligible for this support, for which funding of €1.5 million has been provided.

Recognised producer organisations have the advantage of a derogation under competition law which enables them to legally collectively negotiate on the price of their outputs.

There is also a proposal for a new Sheep Improvement Scheme worth €100 million to sheep farmers in the next CAP in addition to the range of general supports in the new CAP which sheep farmers can avail of. This scheme is based on the previous Sheep Welfare Scheme which has been extended in 2021 and 2022 as part of the transition arrangements prior to the next CAP.

European Court of Justice

Ceisteanna (1200, 1201)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

1200. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department's attention has been drawn to the fact that the Department of Health has confirmed that in view of the EU Court of Justice decision in a case (details supplied) Irish hemp farmers and food producers are permitted to use all parts of the hemp crop to make their food products; if his Department recognises this legal right of Irish hemp farmers and operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52488/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

1201. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will explain, with regard to his Department's consultation on hemp, the reason hemp farmers are not permitted to reference the farm income they currently receive from the hemp crop; is it not the case that this information would be key to understanding the economic viability of the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52489/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1200 and 1201 together.

The Programme for Government (PfG) includes a commitment to ‘fully explore the potential for growing fibre crops such as hemp, considering whether these crops have a viable future’. The consultation is being conducted based on the economic viability of fibre crops such as hemp as outlined in the PfG, that is, the study will only examine the commercial viability of growing hemp for fibre. This was made clear to stakeholders in the letter inviting submissions in the consultation.

It is not the purpose of this consultation to deal with legislative issues that come under the Misuse of Drugs legislation or indeed hemp derived food products which do not primarily come under the remit of this Department.

The consultation is being conducted based on written submissions to the Department and, following examination of those submissions, a report will be completed. Respondents were asked to provide a detailed analysis of the economics of growing hemp for fibre and of its ability to provide a meaningful income all along the supply chain. A robust analysis showing the “scaleability” or otherwise of an Irish hemp industry is also expected.

In relation to the ECJ decision referred to, my Department has not received any such confirmation from the Department of Health. The matters raised are for the Department of Health and its agencies and not for my Department.

Question No. 1201 answered with Question No. 1200.

Agriculture Industry

Ceisteanna (1202)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

1202. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has considered the environmental value of the hemp sector in the context of IPCC climate transition pathways carrying the highest co-benefits, including for human health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52490/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

While there has been significant research carried out on the cultivation of hemp in Ireland, mainly by Teagasc at its Oakpark Research Centre, this research has focused on the use of hemp as a source of fibre and as an energy crop. The environmental benefits have not therefore been confirmed through Irish based research which is a key requirement needed to inform agricultural policy.

However, my Department is working to remedy this and has recently approved a European Innovation Partnership (EIP) application called “Hemp4Soil” under the Farm & Community Biodiversity Initiative which will look at aspects primarily concerned with soil health.

It should be noted that the growing of hemp, which is included as an eligible crop under the Basic Payment Scheme, is subject to specific licence granted by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), which operates under the auspices of the Department of Health and is restricted to certain varieties due to the presence the narcotic compound Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

In addition, there is a commitment contained in the Programme for Government (PFG) to "fully explore the potential for growing fibre crops such as hemp, considering whether these crops have a viable market". To fulfil this commitment, my Department is currently conducting a consultative process by engaging with the relevant stakeholders.

Fur Farming

Ceisteanna (1203)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

1203. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reasoning behind the granting of compensation to fur farms that are due to close; the amount of compensation to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52521/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government 2020 includes a commitment to bring forward legislation that prohibits fur farming in the State.

There are three active farms in the State that breed and rear mink for the purposes of pelting for the fur industry. These are operating in compliance with current law. The Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021 that is currently going through the legislative process will provide for the statutory prohibition of fur farming. The prohibition will, in particular, impact farms that are currently operating a lawful business. For this reason, based on legal advice the legislation is required to make provision for a scheme of compensation to be made available to the three farm businesses affected by the prohibition.

The legislation will not provide for any specific amount of compensation.

Agriculture Schemes

Ceisteanna (1204, 1205, 1206, 1207, 1208)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

1204. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 569 of 6 July 2021, if his Department can publish metrics (details supplied) for the REAP scheme in an effort to move towards a comprehensive evaluation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52535/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

1205. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 569 of 6 July 2021, if the monitoring and evaluation process report form referred to is complete; if such form or report contains metrics on afforestation by REAP applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52536/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

1206. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 569 of 6 July 2021, if the effects of GLAS on afforestation levels was taken into account when his Department decided that any parcels in REAP may not be converted to forestry during the term of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52537/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

1207. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 569 of 6 July 2021, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that farmer participation in afforestation dropped from 852 to 100 farmers during the term of GLAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52538/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

1208. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the conditionality that any parcels in environmental schemes such as REAP and its successor may not be converted to forestry during the term of the contract is an EU requirement or a Government requirement; if this requirement can be ameliorated in new environment or eco schemes in the next CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52539/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1204 to 1208, inclusive, together.

The Department has commenced the monitoring and evaluation stage of REAP. This process will involve an analysis of field data, feedback from both participants and advisors and site-visits by the Department. The information collected will be used to inform the design and implementation of future agri-environment projects and schemes. The monitoring and evaluation aspect of REAP will run over the full term of the project. The details and findings from this process will be made available as part of the final project report.

Parcels selected for REAP may not be converted to forestry during the term of the contract. Nevertheless REAP is not a whole-farm project and opportunities continue to exist for afforestation and other Forestry Schemes on parcels which are not in REAP.

The Department actively promotes afforestation as a land use and the current Forestry Programme 2014-2020, extended to the end of 2022, consists of measures including Native Woodland Establishment, Agro-Forestry and Forestry for Fibre to encourage the planting of forests by landowners with a focus on afforestation of private lands. The Forestry Programme 2014 -2020 is 100% exchequer funded and represents State investment in the forestry sector of some €482m over its lifetime.

The draft regulation on the next Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) is currently being finalised and has still to be formally agreed. It is expected that commitments entered into as part of an agri-environment climate (AECM) measure shall be undertaken for the full contractual period in order to fulfil the contractual commitment. However, unlike the AECM, Eco schemes will operate on an annual basis, providing flexibility for farmers with regards to land use.

A county breakdown of currently active REAP contracts is attached.

County

Number of plans submitted

% of plan per County

Low Input Grassland Fields

Mixed Species Ley Fields

Total Fields

CAVAN

203

5.42%

723

2

725

CLARE

255

6.80%

986

1

987

CORK

177

4.72%

685

11

696

LIMERICK

133

3.55%

378

7

385

KILDARE

13

0.35%

38

1

39

OFFALY

65

1.73%

160

5

165

LAOIS

50

1.33%

129

2

131

MAYO

504

13.45%

1713

17

1730

SLIGO

156

4.16%

390

5

395

KILKENNY

40

1.07%

102

2

104

DONEGAL

240

6.40%

662

17

679

MEATH

58

1.55%

138

1

139

WATERFORD

12

0.32%

41

5

46

TIPPERARY

138

3.68%

419

6

425

WESTMEATH

115

3.07%

264

0

264

DUBLIN

2

0.05%

4

0

4

KERRY

178

4.75%

699

9

708

MONAGHAN

105

2.80%

342

2

344

LOUTH

11

0.29%

32

1

33

LEITRIM

152

4.06%

477

0

477

WICKLOW

61

1.63%

148

6

154

WEXFORD

19

0.51%

37

1

38

CARLOW

37

0.99%

97

1

98

GALWAY

602

16.06%

2074

30

2104

ROSCOMMON

275

7.34%

875

3

878

LONGFORD

147

3.92%

347

0

347

TOTAL

3748

100.00%

11960

135

12095

Question No. 1205 answered with Question No. 1204.
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