Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
914. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ensure the survival of growers such as in the case of a company (details supplied) given the impact of increases in fuel costs. [17687/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the difficulties being faced by many sectors across the agriculture industry due to the increase in input costs including rising energy costs.
The horticulture sector has been negatively affected by the increase in the cost of energy, in particular, the heated glasshouse sector producing highwire crops such as cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers. I made a recent visit to a few of the affected growers to hear first-hand the challenges being faced.
In fact, I met with the growers referenced by the Deputy in the past fortnight. They are brave, ambitious and committed businesspeople. We must ensure that we support farmers and growers like them to ensure that we have viable domestic horticulture sector.
I raised concerns in relation to the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on agri-food supply chains at the extraordinary informal meeting of European Union Agriculture Ministers held on 2nd March and at the AgriFish Council on 21st March. At these meetings I underlined the need to maintain and keep a very close eye on supply chains and to ensure an effective and functioning Single Market and to be ready to consider any measures that may help to alleviate the difficulties caused.
The Commission has already announced a number of support measures, including the introduction of private storage aid for the pigmeat sector, a new exceptional aid support package making available a fund of €500 million for affected sectors, increased payment advances in 2022 and a new temporary State Aid framework.
I'm taking a proactive approach to this situation in order to support our farm families and their businesses through this time of considerable challenge.
