Written Answers Nos. 682-703
682. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department have considered enhanced carbon sequestration measures as a means of meeting carbon reduction targets in a balanced way without damaging the food production sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60475/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the significant contribution that carbon sequestration can make, particularly through our land and soils, in meeting carbon reduction targets whilst protecting the food production sector.
Recent investments in research and initiatives from my Department will provide much needed data on the emission profile of our farms and will inform policy decisions in this area to better support farmers in their efforts to sequester, store and protect carbon through better management decisions.
In particular, the establishment of the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory for the measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a range of different soil and farm types will place Ireland at the forefront of EU carbon sequestration research. This infrastructure will be located in a range of locations throughout Ireland and will include a number of Teagasc Signpost farms, a new initiative which aims to support our farmers by acting as a demonstration and research resource for best practice on our farms.
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.
As you will appreciate, the knowledge gained from the aforementioned research and technological infrastructure establishment activities pursued through my Department will not only demonstrate the continued viability of our agrifood sector but it will also allow for the refinement of our reporting to the National Inventory further emphasising the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
683. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department has studied all the options in respect of carbon reduction without damaging the food production sector; if he has quantified the amount by which carbon levels can be reduced by the activation of a forestry programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60476/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI and officials in my Department have been consistent in my position that agriculture must achieve its climate objectives while maintaining current food production output.
It is my belief that we are the sustainable food capital of the world and that we can continue to produce in sustainable manner while reducing our carbon footprint.
The recently published All-of-Government Climate Action Plan 2021 has set an ambitious target for the agricultural sector of achieving a 22-30% reduction in emissions. Along with detailed actions for the sector contained within the plan, my Department has also published the Ag-Climatise Roadmap which contains a number of achievable on-farm actions to further ensure the continued sustainability and economic viability of our food production sector.
Ireland’s forests are an important store of carbon, with estimated stocks at over 312 million tonnes. In our recent greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Ireland reported a removal by forests of circa five million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) from the atmosphere in 2019, which includes the carbon stored in harvested wood products.
Land use affects how GHG’s in the atmosphere are either emitted, or removed, by our land. Afforestation is the single largest land-based climate change mitigation measure available to Ireland. Management of our existing forests also provides opportunities to increase carbon stores.
My Department will continue to promote afforestation and forest management measures to realise our 2030 ambition. The recently published climate action plan identifies measures for Forest Land to reduce emissions in Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) with potential direct savings of 2.9 MtCO2eq in 2030.
Ambitious afforestation targets are required to increase sequestration in forestry include a yearly planting rate of at least 8,000 ha per year and other measures to increase the storage of carbon in long lived harvested wood products.
684. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he remains satisfied that the CAP review contains sufficient benefit to reward farmers that make a major contribution to the economy while maintaining good management and carbon reduction measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60477/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra686. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects the agricultural sector to progress given the CAP reforms to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60479/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra687. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether CAP reform proposals are likely to have a worthwhile positive impact on food production throughout the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60480/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 684, 686 and 687 together.
My view is that the CAP reform proposals will, in particular, have a positive impact on the production of sustainable food and will enhance our sustainability credentials, allowing the sector to become a world leader in sustainable food systems while also supporting farmers to transition.
The new CAP aims to support the achievement of economic, social and environmental sustainability, and these aims are reflected in Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023-2027. The Plan will provide just over €9.8 billion in funding to this end, to support viable farm incomes and enhance competitiveness, to strengthen the socio-economic fabric of rural areas, and to contribute to the achievement of environmental and climate objectives at national and EU levels.
The CAP will also work hand-in-hand with the Food Vision 2030 strategy, which sets out a pathway to Ireland becoming a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the next decade. By adopting an integrated food systems approach, Ireland will become a global leader of innovation for sustainable food and agriculture systems, producing safe, nutritious, and high-value food while protecting and enhancing our natural resources and contributing to vibrant rural and coastal communities within the national economy.
With a focus on the marketplace together with a continuing reduction in the carbon-footprint of our produce, I am very confident that we will continue the transition to become even more sustainable, with benefits for water, air quality, biodiversity, our farmers and our consumers. The supports available under the CAP will have a central role to play in this transition.
685. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that sufficient incentives remain to guard against food shortages as was the original objective when the European Union was first formed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60478/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Common Agricultural Policy has undergone a number of evolutions in terms of its scope and objectives since it began in 1962. It began with the aim to support food production in Europe. That aim is still a core objective of the CAP.
As we begin to implement the next iteration of the CAP, how we achieve this objective is informed by a greater awareness and concern for the impacts of climate change. Therefore, the new CAP has increased its focus on this challenge and will support a more sustainable agricultural sector.
Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023-2027 will contain a range of supports to underpin the sustainable development of Ireland’s farming and food sector.
Along with the Taoiseach and Government colleagues, I launched the Food Vision 2030 strategy in August.
The strategy uses a food systems approach and considered sustainability in all its dimensions - environmental, economic and social. Its ambition is that Ireland will become a world leader in sustainable food systems in the decade ahead, and the draft CAP Strategic Plan will provide support in that process.
Considerable work is being undertaken at EU level to identify actions to address shortcomings in the current food supply chain and crisis response, and to provide a better and coordinated European response to future food supply and food security crises.
The development of an EU Contingency Plan is an action in response to the Form to Fork Strategy stated objective, to “step up coordination of a common European response to crises affecting food ”, which emphasises the necessity of resilient food systems and food security.
I will participate in a discussion on the Contingency Plan at an AgriFish Council in the near future. I look forward to engaging on this important topic and am pleased that it is on the Council's agenda.
688. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied that the Irish food producing sector will remain viable into the future notwithstanding CAP reform and carbon reduction measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60481/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that I am very confident that the Irish agrifood sector will remain viable into the future, and is well positioned to address both challenges and opportunities arising from CAP reform and climate action.
I was delighted to launch the new Food Vision 2030 strategy with the Taoiseach and Government colleagues in August.
For some 20 years, the Irish agrifood sector has benefited from having a coherent, stakeholder-led vision and strategy to underpin the sector’s continued development and I believe Food Vision is a landmark for the Irish agrifood sector with the potential to transform our agriculture, food, forestry and marine sectors in the period to 2030, with sustainability at its core.
Food Vision 2030 sets the ambition that, “Ireland will become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) over the next decade. This will deliver significant benefits for the Irish agrifood sector itself, for Irish society and the environment. In demonstrating the Irish agrifood sector meets the highest standards of sustainability – economic, environmental, and social – this will also provide the basis for the future competitive advantage of the sector. By adopting an integrated food systems approach, Ireland will seek to become a global leader of innovation for sustainable food and agriculture systems, producing safe, nutritious, and high-value food that tastes great, while protecting and enhancing our natural and cultural resources and contributing to vibrant rural and coastal communities and the national economy” .
To achieve that ambition, Food Vision provides a strategic framework for the sector and recommends over 200 actions under 22 goals, guided by four high-level missions:
1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector;
2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being;
3. Food that is safe, nutritious and appealing: trusted and valued at home and abroad and 4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, driven by Technology and Talent.
Food Vision 2030 sets challenging environmental goals, including becoming a climate-neutral food system by 2050, with verifiable progress achieved by 2030, encompassing emissions reductions, carbon sequestration, air, biodiversity and water quality.
At the same time Food Vision looks to protect and build on Ireland's global reputation as a trusted supplier of high quality, safe, sustainable food to consumers at home and abroad. The sector has set itself an ambition of reaching €21 billion in exports by 2030, driven by value rather than volume.
The next iteration of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which starts in 2023, aims to foster a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector that can support the livelihoods of farmers and provide healthy and sustainable food for society, as well as ensuring vibrant rural areas.
Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023-2027 will underpin the sustainable development of Ireland’s farming and food sector by supporting viable farm incomes and enhancing competitiveness, by strengthening the socio-economic fabric of rural areas, and by contributing to the achievement of environmental and climate objectives at national and EU levels.
The new CSP is structured around the achievement of three general objectives, as set out in EU legislation, including “- to foster a smart, competitive, resilient and diversified agricultural sector ensuring long term food security”.
Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2021 is the most ambitious ever produced. I believe the targets for agriculture will help make Irish farms more environmentally efficient and build a more sustainable agrifood sector.
While the plan sets ambitious climate mitigation targets for farming, it also recognises the special position of the sector in producing high quality food and supporting a balanced regional economy. These commitments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are challenging but I know our sector is committed to the challenge.
I believe that the Irish agrifood sector is dynamic and innovative, ready to adapt and to embrace change for a more sustainable future.
689. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any further measures to protect the agri-food sector are in order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60482/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that I launched the new Food Vision 2030 strategy with the Taoiseach and Government colleagues in August. The Deputy will also be aware that we are currently finalising Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023 to 2027.The processes for developing these included detailed assessments, consultations and analysis, including SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. Both Food Vision 2030 and the draft CSP reflect the outcome of this analysis to ensure, as much as is possible, that the Irish agrifood sector will remain sustainable and viable into the future and well positioned to address future challenges and opportunities.
690. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if efforts continue to be made to identify the causes of TB arising from the increase in the number of bovine TB incidents throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60483/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra691. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an increase in the number of deer has been associated with the breakdown of bovine TB eradication measures; if deer samples have been examined in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60484/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra692. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if deer or badgers are likely to be identified as carriers of bovine TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60485/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 690, 691 and 692 together.
I draw the Deputy’s attention to PQ Ref 52873/21 which he tabled on 2nd November 2021 regarding the extent to which my Department has identified the causes for the spread of bovine TB. My response outlined that the research on the role of wildlife in bovine TB has recently been reviewed for the Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum by its Scientific Working Group which is composed of a panel of internationally recognised experts in TB research.
The Scientific Working Group concluded that:
- Badgers do contribute to bTB in cattle in Ireland, which is addressed through my Department’s badger vaccination and culling programmes operated under licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service;
- Deer-to-cattle spread is only likely to occur to any meaningful extent in Co Wicklow. My Department supports deer control by advising farmers to manage deer populations on their land, including through culling where necessary and by providing free testing of deer for bTB through the Regional Veterinary Laboratory network.
A detailed breakdown of the results of laboratory TB testing of wild deer and badgers was also provided to the Deputy on 2nd November 2021 in response to earlier questions tabled, PQ Refs 41707/21 and 41708/21.
The reasons for the increase in TB levels from 2016-2020 are multifactorial and often relate to a combination of national and local factors. The expansion of the dairy herd since 2015 has played a role in this, since dairy herds, larger herds, farm fragmentation and herds which introduce more cattle are all at higher risk of TB breakdowns. Wildlife is also a factor.
Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. My Department continues to fund and support substantial research into the epidemiology of TB in Ireland, ensuring our actions are informed by science.
TB levels in 2021 are likely to be lower than in 2020, with fewer reactors and a lower herd incidence in the 12 months to 28th November 2021 than for the corresponding period a year ago. This is a welcome indication that the changes we have introduced as a result of the renewed TB Strategy launched in January 2021, supported by the TB Forum, are starting to yield real results.
693. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to promote Irish food products abroad to the maximum possible extent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60486/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am firm in my support of the ambition of the Irish agrifood sector to grow the value of exports to international markets. The promotion of Ireland's high-quality, safe, nutritious and sustainably produced food is a core objective of mine, my Department and of the relevant Government Agencies, particularly Bord Bia.
Encouragingly, despite an extremely challenging 2020 and 2021 as a result of Brexit and COVID-19 issues, Irish agrifood export performance has been very resilient, totalling €14.3 billion in 2020 and showing signs of further growth in 2021.
Bord Bia has received significant extra funding from my Department in recent years in order to support its extensive marketing and promotional activities. This funding is also used to support companies that are establishing and expanding their presence in international markets.
My Department has a network of agriculture attaches assigned to Irish Embassies throughout the world. Since 2019, we have invested in new posts in Seoul, Mexico City, Tokyo and Berlin. This ensures that the Department's technical, policy and strategic expertise is in place to resolve regulatory, trade and political issues which may arise in these markets.
Another component of our strategy to develop and diversify markets is Ministerial Trade Missions. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, Minister of State Martin Heydon and I have led a number of virtual trade missions and key customer engagements in 2021.
These were focused on Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, China, Singapore and West Africa, as well as our traditional markets in the EU, UK and US. In 2022, provided the public health situation allows, we have an extensive schedule of trade missions planned in a number of the key target growth markets for Irish food exports.
My Department also continues to work on the opportunities provided by recent EU Free Trade Agreements with third countries, and to press at Government-to-Government level for the removal of technical market access barriers across a range of third country markets.
694. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department has reviewed the future prospects for the Irish beef sector with particular reference to market penetration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60487/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur world-class beef sector is a key cornerstone of our overall €14bn export agrifood sector. Beef worth over €2.3 billion, or 524,530 tonnes, was exported in 2020, down slightly in both value and volume on 2019. This is a solid performance especially given the fact much of the global food service sector was shut due to COVID-19 for large parts of 2020.
The largest destination for beef exports (46%) was the United Kingdom. 44% of beef products were exported to countries within the EU, with France, Netherlands, Italy and Germany the largest destinations. The remaining 10% by value went to 55 countries around the globe.
Currently, the average R3 steer price is 16% above the same period in 2020 at €4.16/Kg.
Year-to-date slaughter figures are 4.5% behind the same period last year with a total of 1.5 million head slaughtered so far this year.
In line with our overall strategy for the agrifood sector, securing market access and diversifying trade remains a key aim for my Department, which is prioritising work on retaining and enhancing existing market access, and expanding beef market access to new destinations.
Additionally, Ireland's negligible risk status for BSE confers an advantage in terms of advancing our priority objective of market diversification and enhancement of existing markets.
695. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department has reviewed the future prospects for the Irish lamb sector with particular reference to market penetration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60488/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSheepmeat exports worth approximately €356 million, or 64,100 tonnes were exported in 2020, an increase of 12% in value and 3.5% in volume on 2019. The top five destinations account for 80% of sheepmeat exports with France the number one destination, accounting for one third of exports, with Great Britain, Germany, Sweden and Belgium as the next most important destinations. The outlook for Irish and EU lamb prices for 2021/2022 is stable, with global sheep meat prices projected to remain good. Irish lamb prices are forecast to increase by 7% on 2020. Currently the year to date average price is €6.93/Kg which is a 33% increase on the previous year. Teagasc forecast that the average sheep farm income is to increase by 6% in 2021, following a 24% increase in 2020.
According to the FAO, global sheepmeat prices in real terms are expected to remain high over the next decade, as contractions in flocks will reduce global supply and restrict trade from the two leading exporters: Australia and New Zealand. Consumption is expected to remain relatively stable to 2030.Securing market access and diversifying trade remains a key aim for my Department. I was pleased last week with the announcement that the US ban on sheep meat exports from the EU has been lifted. My officials will now engage with US authorities on the next steps to full access and to ensure that Irish sheepmeat exports to this valuable market will be able to commence as soon as possible.
696. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department has reviewed the future prospects for Irish pig meat with particular reference to market penetration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60489/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe pig sector has shown exceptional growth over the last decade. It is the third largest agrifood sector, accounting for 6.3% of the output value of the agrifood sector and generated exports of €893 million in 2020; this compares to an export value of €330 million in 2010. Export growth to international markets has been particularly strong.
Production saw an increase of 4.2% to over 3.5 million head in 2020 and currently year to date 2021 slaughter figures are 4.9% higher than the same period of 2020.
In 2020, the main export destinations, in order of magnitude, were: China, Great Britain, Germany, Japan, Denmark, Northern Ireland and Australia. Cumulatively, those seven countries, representing a good mixture of EU and non-EU markets, accounted for 83 per cent of pigmeat exports in volume terms and 85 per cent in value terms.
My Department continues to support the Irish pigmeat sector and facilitate its development by prioritising market access both through maintaining existing markets and pursuing access to new ones.
In May 2020, for example, the Mexican market was opened for raw frozen pigmeat. Securing access was the successful culmination of engagement with internal and external stakeholders over several years.
My officials continue to work towards increasing market diversification by opening and improving access to as many international markets as possible.
The short-term outlook for the pigmeat market will be influenced by global supply and demand dynamics as well as by potential disruptions to supply chains.
Ensuring the continued operation of Irish food supply chains and expanding market access remain key priorities for my Department and my officials are continuing to monitor the current market situation closely.
697. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department has reviewed the future prospects for the Irish poultry sector with particular reference to market penetration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60490/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPoultrymeat, which is a food in high protein, has seen an increase in demand in recent years. Irish production reached record levels in 2020, with a total of 111 million birds processed in Department approved establishments. Figures for 2021 to date suggested that total volume is up around 1% on 2020 levels.
In addition, prices for poultry meat have remained relatively stable and prices at end of October 2021 for poultry meat were €2.15 per kg, a 1c/kg increase on the same period of 2020.
At a domestic level, reductions at food service level appear to have been compensated for by increased demand at retail level. According to data released by Kantar, domestic fresh poultry sales for the 52-week end period to 31st October 2021 come in at just under €315 million.
However, the value of poultry meat exports for 2020 decreased by 12.1% on 2019 to just under €256 million, with the effect of falling food service demand in international markets a major factor.
Changes to global supply patterns and the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a decrease in the value of exports, as well as a decrease in the tonnage for 2021, coming in at €167.1 million and 68,087 tonnes respectively as of September year-to-date. However, poultry meat retains a positive perception amongst consumers.
The Food Vision 2030 Strategy published by my Department in August is a new 10-year strategy for the Irish agrifood sector which envisages that Ireland will become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the next decade.
Developing market opportunities at home and abroad is an important strategic goal and the creation of added value through insight, innovation and enhancement of consumer trust will be critical to its achievement.
As in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term. My Department will continue to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agrifood sector.
698. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department has reviewed the future prospects for the Irish dairy sector with particular reference to market penetration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60491/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2020, Irish dairy exports accounted for 36% of all Irish agrifood exports with a value of €5.1 billion, exceeding the €5 billion mark for the second consecutive year.
Whilst 2021 has posed significant challenges across all global markets, Irish dairy exports are performing strongly in the year to date. Diversifying and developing markets for Irish dairy exports will continue to be a priority and a central component of the strategic development of the dairy sector, as evidenced by the objectives set out for the sector in Food Vision 2030.
The stakeholder-led Food Vision 2030 Strategy for the Irish agrifood sector sets an ambition that Ireland will become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) over the next decade. The Strategy takes a food systems approach, recognising the linkages between food and health and food and the environment.
It emphasises the need to continue to meet world-class standards in food safety, animal health and welfare and increased value-addition, building on sustainable steady value growth, to include an increase in the value of total agrifood exports to €21 billion by 2030.
Developing market opportunities at home and abroad is a key goal under the Strategy and creation of added value through insight and innovation and enhancement of consumer trust are key contributors to its achievement.
Value-added opportunities will be targeted through the retention and the growth of existing market shares, development of new non-EU markets, and product innovation.
My Department and Bord Bia will continue to cooperate in prioritising and developing markets and engaging with key trading partners to enhance the global market share of Irish dairy produce. Key to this are trade missions, both in-person and virtual, facilitated by my Department, Bord Bia, and the Embassy network, as well as inward and outward technical visits, and other trade development and promotional activities facilitated by industry.
The long-term fundamentals of the global dairy market are strong, with growing global demand projected, particularly in Asian markets, and Irish dairy produce is well placed to meet that demand.
699. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied that meat and meat products imported into Europe comply with European standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60492/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFood products, including meat and meat products, placed on the European marketplace are covered by a range of legislation designed to ensure that products supplied to consumers are of the highest safety standards.
The Department plays a key role in the enforcement of this legislation along with Competent Authorities in other Member States, other Irish Government departments and State Agencies such as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and the Health Service Executive.
The import of products of animal origin from third countries is governed by a comprehensive and robust legislative framework laid down at EU level, controlled by Member States in the first instance, and audited by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety to ensure compliance with all of the relevant food safety standards. The legislation imposes health and supervisory requirements designed to ensure that imported products meet standards equivalent to those required for production and trade between Member States.
Veterinary checks are carried out by staff from my Department on consignments of foods of animal origin imported from third countries at designated Border Control Posts. All such consignments undergo documentary and identity checks; physical checks, including sampling of products, are carried out according to European regulations. Import control procedures on products of animal origin are highly prescriptive and are strictly audited by the Directorate to ensure compliance. Audit finding reports are published on the Directorate’s website.
The control procedures that are in place and implemented by staff in my Department ensure, as much as is possible, that imported meat or meat products meet the required standards for placing on the EU market.
700. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of non-EU lamb slaughtered in Ireland in 2020 and to date in 2021; the origin of that lamb; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60511/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraLive sheep may be imported into Ireland for the purposes of breeding, fattening or direct slaughter. Traditionally, most live sheep imported into Ireland have come from the UK, including Northern Ireland. In 2020 and 2021 year-to -ate, all of the live sheep imported into Ireland have come for the UK.
- In the last full year, 2020, a total of 441,988 sheep were imported from the UK comprising of 421,855 from Northern Ireland and 20,113 sheep from Britain.
- Up to 1st October 2021, a total of 259,634 sheep were imported from Northern Ireland with none from Britain.
Sheepmeat exports worth approximately €356 million, or 64,100 tonnes were exported in
2020, up 12% in value and 3.5% in volume on 2019.
The top five destinations account for 80% of sheepmeat exports with France the number one destination, accounting for one third of exports. In total, 73% of our sheepmeat exports went to EU27 countries, up slightly on recent years, while 17% by value went to the United Kingdom.
Free movement of goods in the EU's Single Market in particular facilitates this free flow of trade and, of course, means that Ireland must be open to imports of live animals and food products from other parts of the Single Market.
The Department publishes a weekly sheep slaughter summary which provides a detailed summary of the different categories of sheep slaughtered in meat plants on a weekly basis and can be located at the following link https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/weeklypricesslaughterfigures/sheepslaughterfigures/
The following table outlines the categories of lambs and total ovines slaughtered in 2020 and 2021 (YTD, week commencing 22/11/2021)
|
Category |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Lambs/Hoggets |
793,066 |
679,955 |
|
Spring Lambs |
1,704,741 |
1,441,187 |
|
Light Lambs |
68 |
129 |
|
Total Lambs |
2,497,975 |
2,139,271 |
|
Total Ovine Slaughter |
2,884,480 |
2,467,193 |
701. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of the annual budget from his Department to Teagasc; the breakdown of the level of funding provided to Teagasc under each scheme in each of the past five years. [60512/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides Teagasc with a yearly Grant Aid allocation to support its work in providing integrated research, training and advisory services to the agrifood sector. Grant Aid is provided for salaries, pensions, current expenditure and capital works. The yearly allocations over the past five years are as follows:
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
|
Pay |
44.500 |
45.200 |
47.430 |
48.417 |
49.680 |
|
Non-pay |
27.140 |
26.500 |
28.000 |
28.500 |
28.422 |
|
Superannuation |
42.240 |
42.720 |
43.502 |
42.956 |
44.314 |
|
Training |
10.500 |
10.500 |
10.500 |
10.500 |
10.500 |
|
Capital |
2.400 |
3.200 |
3.150 |
3.150 |
4.950 |
|
Total |
126.8m |
128.1m |
132.58m |
133.52m |
137.87m |
In addition to Grant Aid, Teagasc generate non-Grant Aid income annually comprising grants awarded as a result of success in competitions for research and advisory funds at national and EU level, advisory and education fees, farm operations and industry levies. It has also benefited from once-off capital grants from my Department for specific capital projects including the Food Innovation Hub (€8.8m) and Prepared Consumer Foods Centre (€10m).
702. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount that was paid to advisers in relation to the Knowledge Transfer Programme; the amount paid to farmers during the three years of the scheme; and the average number of farmers per advisor. [60513/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Knowledge Transfer (KT) Programme 2016-2019, €35,679,471 was paid to participants and an additional €24,469,708 was paid to facilitators.
At the conclusion of the KT Programme, there were over 1,100 groups, with an average of 15 participants per group. As per the Terms and Conditions of the KT Programme, the number of participants involved in the KT groups could be up to a maximum of 18 farmers (12 in the case of Poultry) and facilitators were allowed to facilitate up to five KT groups.
I believe the KT Programme was an excellent initiative and I am committed to having it as a key element of the next CAP Programme 2023 - 2027.
703. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if women who are not the head of a farm holding but who meet the eligible age and agriculture qualification criteria will be able to access the 60% TAMS in the next CAP if they join a formal farm partnership as is currently the case in the current Young Trained Farmer Partnership model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60535/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to delivering greater supports to young farmers and women farmers. It is proposed under an On-Farm Capital investment scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) that a general grant rate of 40% will be available for eligible investments. It is also proposed in the CSP that eligible female farmers, who meet the eligibility criteria may qualify for grant aid at a rate of 60%. This is the first time that such a proposal has been brought forward and I am proud to be supporting the crucial role of women farmers.
It is currently being proposed that eligible female farmers are those:
- Aged between 18 years of age and 55 at any time during the calendar year in which she submits an application for support;
- Meet the conditions for being head and having control of the holding;
- Meets the requirements for the appropriate training and/or skills required at the time of application.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria above will remain eligible to submit an application under the On-Farm Capital investment scheme at the standard rate of 40%.
No decision has been made on the details of how registered farm partnerships will operate under the new On-Farm Capital Investment scheme.
The On-Farm Capital investment scheme, as is the case with all proposals under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), is in the process of development and is subject to the formal approval of the European Commission. The public consultation is ongoing, and I will be reviewing the proposal once that closes in advance of the submission of the proposal to the Commission.
