Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 May 2022
161. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to diversify agriculture in view of the war in Ukraine and the impact that this will have on food supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26975/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, as food-producing nation, is among the most food secure countries in the world. In that context it is important to recognise that Ireland is part of the EU single market and participates in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which is the key mechanism for ensuring food security throughout Europe.
Specifically in the context of the Ukrainian crisis, significant implications are being seen across all sectors, including the agri-food sector.
As well as the immediate humanitarian crisis, which must take priority, we need to take the necessary steps to ensure that food security is maintained. The European Commission announced in March, via the communication, "Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems", a range of actions to enhance global food security and support farmers and consumers across the EU in light of rising food prices and input costs.
The Commission communication sets out actions in three areas. First, it presents immediate actions to safeguard food security in Ukraine and around the world. Second, it addresses the challenge of food stability in the EU's food system, with a range of measures to support our farmers and maintain affordability for our citizens. Third, it confirms the EU agenda to make our food system sustainable and resilient in the years to come.
At farm level, the crisis is impacting very significantly on the price of animal feed, fertiliser and fuel. Within my Department, I have established a Rapid Response Team, chaired by the Secretary General, to actively monitor the impacts on agri-food supply chains and to contribute to the whole of Government response to this crisis.
I also established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee headed by Teagasc and tasked it to prepare an industry response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.
There has been a reduction in fertiliser use on farms to date this year in response to Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser campaign. I tasked Teagasc with developing this roadmap to reduce our dependency on chemical fertiliser, which was launched earlier this year. It is a credible roadmap that will be good for the environment, as well as addressing some of the concerns around fertiliser prices.
In March, I announced a targeted intervention package for the tillage sector worth over €12 million with the aim of supporting the growing of additional tillage and protein crops and the establishment of multispecies swards. This package is aimed at producing more native crops and crops with a low demand for chemical fertiliser, while also reducing our dependency on imports.
The tillage incentive scheme will incentivise farmers to grow additional crops such as barley, oats and wheat this year. The scheme is targeted at increasing the overall tillage area and making a real impact on increasing our supply.
The multispecies sward scheme, including support for red clover, is aimed at reducing nitrogen fertiliser use while maintaining forage yields. Multispecies swards have been proven to reduce our dependency on chemical fertiliser while maintaining forage output.
These targeted measures will help Irish farmers diversify at a time of escalating costs and build resilience against the expected impact of the situation in Ukraine.
Earlier this month, I brought a Memo for Information to Government on measures aimed to assist cattle and sheep farmers to produce fodder (silage and/or hay) during 2022 to prevent a Fodder crisis during the coming winter. My Department is continuing to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the detail of the scheme.
In addition, on the future of Ireland's agri-food sector generally, you will be aware that the new Food Vision 2030 strategy was launched last August. Food Vision is a landmark for the Irish agri-food sector and is honest and upfront about the challenges ahead. Crucially, it proposes solutions and charts a pathway to sustainability in all its dimensions. Food Vision aims for Ireland to be a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems, which would deliver food security and nutrition for all in such a way that the economic, environmental and social basis to generate food and nutrition for future generations are not compromised. This will deliver significant benefits for the Irish agri-food sector itself, for Irish society and the environment.
I am taking a very proactive approach to the crisis in Ukraine. We must protect our farm families and their businesses through this period of significant upheaval.
