Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022
833. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered increased targets and funding regarding the use of multi-species swards, organic farming or liming arising from the current crisis regarding the price and availability of fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15765/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI announced a package of measures last week worth over €12 million to support Irish farmers as part of the Government's response to the cost increases and challenges currently facing the sector. To reduce reliance on chemical nitrogen, this package includes support for farmers who wish to establish multi-species swards and/or red clover silage swards.
The Multi-Species Swards Measure was launched last Friday and remains open for applications until 4th April 2022. My Department is working on other initiatives within the package of measures, including the Red Clover Silage Measure which I expect to launch shortly.
Subject to farmer uptake and seed availability, these measures aim to establish approximately 12,000ha of Multi-Species Swards and 4,000ha of Red Clover Silage Swards. It is important to highlight that the target area in these schemes is limited by the availability of seed, most particularly clover and also herds.
Last year I launched the Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme where sampling and analysis, including testing for soil pH, is provided free of charge for farmers. This provides information on lime and other soil requirements which assist improving nutrient use efficiency.
To achieve optimum soil pH on intensive farmers, under the Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations, a liming programme is required for each holding with a grassland stocking rate of 170 kg organic Nitrogen per hectare, or above prior to export of organic manure.
The Organic Farming Scheme is currently open for applications. This year, an additional €5m has been allocated to the Scheme to facilitate additional farmers entering organic farming. Under Ireland's draft CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) €256m has been allocated to this Scheme, with increased payment rates across all sectors and a target of significantly increasing Ireland's area under organic production by 2027.
Ireland's draft CSP which is currently being considered by the European Commission, also includes Eco-Scheme options relating to establishment and correction of soil pH, as well as sowing of multi-species swards.
