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Forestry Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

Ceisteanna (846)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

846. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the person or body that is representing the forestry sector on the Organic Strategy Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22740/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Organic Strategy Forum comprises a range of experts from the farming and food processing sectors, organic certification bodies and relevant State Agencies. The immediate focus of the Organic Strategy Forum will be on the continued implementation of the National Organic Strategy 2025. Their meetings will be attended by representatives of my Department and should any forestry queries arise these will be communicated to the Forestry Division.

As the Deputy may be aware, a national shared vision for the future of Ireland's trees and forests and a new Forestry Strategy are currently being developed by Working Group 2 of Project Woodland. Members of Working Group 2 are drawn from stakeholders on the Forestry Policy Group. An extensive public consultation process on the new strategy has commenced giving stakeholders an opportunity to engage. This new Forest Strategy will underpin a new Forestry Programme for the period 2023 - 2027.

The Organic Farming Scheme is included in the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP). Due to the long-term nature of forestry, it is considered the best option to continue to deliver the forestry Programme entirely separately from the CSP, subject to new State Aid rules rather than the requirements of the CSP regulations. The interlinkages between the CAP Strategic Plan and the next Forestry Programme are well understood. These two significant programmes will provide the mechanisms to deliver for farmers, rural communities and for society as a whole.

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