Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
419. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when measures will be implemented to assist the mushroom and horticulture sectors due to the difficulties that have arisen in relation to peat harvesting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28812/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy knows my Department has no involvement in the regulation of peat extraction but I am acutely aware of the challenges facing the sector at present and we are working to help find a solution in the short and long term.
A working paper which has been put in place by my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage sets out a series of actions to support horticultural growers who are dependent on peat as a growing medium.
The actions include a range of targeted measures which reflect the multi-faceted nature of the problem and the subsequent need for short, medium and long-term solutions. These actions were developed to address the short-term issue of peat supply, the medium term one of future access to peat and also the longer-term issue of replacement with alternatives.
The ultimate ambition is to support the horticulture industry, the people employed and the many families that depend on this important sector.
Progress has been made on the implementation of the actions in the Working paper to address challenges related to horticultural peat supply.
My Department has commissioned an independent expert to work with all peat suppliers to ascertain the level of horticultural peat stocks available to growers. In addition, my Department has commissioned experts to provide focused regulatory guidance to those wishing to achieve regulatory compliance for extraction of horticultural peat on sub-30 hectare bogs for supply to the domestic horticulture industry. This work will build on the expert guidance published by the Environment, Climate and Communications and the National Parks and Wildlife Service on engaging with the regulatory systems that apply to the extraction of peat. The work of these experts is ongoing.
My Department continues to support and facilitate research in the development of alternatives to peat for horticulture. Funding of €1.69m was awarded to Teagasc for research into utilising organic bio-resources and novel technologies to develop specifically designed and sustainable peat replacements. Furthermore, funding is also provided for projects on peat alternatives through the EU Producer Organisation scheme for fruit and vegetables.
I assure the Deputy that we are leaving no stone unturned to protect this vital sector in the short, medium and long term.
