Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
1946. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be a stocking rate requirement in order to qualify for the single farm payment scheme 2023; if so, if the rate has been set; if equines will be included in calculations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62990/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in Ireland's Draft CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the 2023-2027 published on the Department’s website, it is proposed to implement a minimum stocking requirement
- as part of the active farmer check,
- in one of the agricultural practices in the eco-scheme, and
- as an eligibility requirement for the Areas facing Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme.
Under the CSP Regulation, active farmers are defined as those “engaged in at least a minimum level of agricultural activity”. Ireland is proposing that the minimum level of agricultural activity will be based on the minimum stocking rate requirement, similar to ANC, for grassland farms.
Where the Department cannot verify the active status of a grassland farmer from its databases, a farmer will have to select from a range of options on the Basic Income Support Scheme (BISS) application from 2023 – for example, making hay/silage, topping, other grazing livestock, plans to purchase livestock in 2023, etc. Tillage farmers may be requested to provide evidence of the purchase of seed, fertiliser, plant protection products etc.
Under the Eco-scheme as proposed by Ireland, one of the measures will be “Extensive Livestock Production” . This measure is proposed to support and encourage extensive grazing practices. To qualify, the stocking rate over the previous year must fall between a minimum and a maximum value with further administrative and on-the-spot checks in the year of Eco-Scheme participation as required.
At this juncture, it is proposed that the minimum stocking rate would be 0.15 Livestock Units per Hectare with the maximum stocking rate being 1.5 Livestock Units per Hectare.
For the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme, Ireland is proposing to continue the minimum stocking rate requirement. Participants are currently required to maintain an annual average minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare calculated over the 12 months of the calendar year and participants must also meet a minimum retention period of seven consecutive months. A reduced stocking level may apply where it is justified on environmental grounds.
It is proposed that the minimum stocking requirement check in the CSP will be similar to the current ANC check, with which many farmers are already familiar and it is expected to continue to allow equine animals be used towards meeting the minimum stocking requirement. Further details in relation to the minimum level to be applied and the livestock coefficients applicable under the CSP, will be made available in due course as the development and approval of the CSP progresses.
