Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
788. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to increase participation of young farmers in the sheep welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49895/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra789. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding will be allocated to deliver a €30 ewe payment on all of the 2.7 million ewes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49896/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 788 and 789 together.
The core targeted support for the sheep sector from 2023 will be the Sheep Improvement Scheme which aims to build on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare by providing support for actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector.
The programme has an annual budget of €20 million and provides for a payment of €12 per breeding ewe.
The scheme is designed, in consultation with sector stakeholders, to facilitate young farmers and new entrants to sheep farming.
Another significant support for the sheep sector is the inclusion of the sector in the new support for early stage producer organisations in the incoming CSP which, in addition to providing administrative support of up to €33,000 to groups, provides under competition law for collective bargaining on output prices thereby strengthening their position in the supply chain. These measures are part of a range of supports available to sheep farmers through the CSP.
I continue to monitor market developments for all farming sectors and all potential avenues and funding mechanisms will be explored to meet the strategic objectives for the sheep sector for 2023 and beyond as set out in our Food Vision 2030 strategy.
