Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2023
388. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts being made to encourage grain growing given the effects on the industry of the ongoing war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12203/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tillage sector is an important and integral component of the Agri-food industry. It is a sector that I have backed with new and innovative schemes in recent years.
I am acutely aware of the current challenges being faced by the sector including high input costs and lower forward grain prices compared to last year.
In response to the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia, I introduced the Tillage Incentive Scheme (TIS) with a €400/ha payment on additional crop area. This Scheme delivered €10.1 million in support for the sector last year. I bolstered the existing Protein Scheme by guaranteeing a €300/ha payment on beans, peas and lupins and I also introduced a Protein Cereal mixed crop scheme. These measures have been acknowledged as contributing to the estimated 6% increase in tillage area, or an additional 20,000 hectares in 2022. The Tillage Incentive Scheme will continue this year with a budget of €10 million.
There is significant potential for tillage farmers to increase native production to replace cereal and protein imports for the livestock industry. The increase in Protein Aid from €3 million to €7 million in the current CAP Strategic Plan will facilitate an increase in protein crops and help deliver on this potential.
In 2021, I introduced the Straw Incorporation Measure which aims to improve our tillage soils. In 2022, this Measure has delivered €11.1 million in support for the tillage crops sector. I have committed this very important measure to the new CAP.
Under TAMS III, the new Tillage Capital Investment Scheme has a ceiling for investment of €90,000 and includes a range of new investments relevant for tillage. I also recently announced that ACRES will be extended to the 46,000 farmers that have applied to the Scheme.
My Department will continue to monitor the situation. I support the long-term viability of the tillage sector and will listen to and engage with the sector in the time ahead.
