Written Answers Nos. 54-81
60. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants to the succession planning advice grant; the steps he is taking to support succession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18423/24]
View answerAssisting the next generation to take over the farm, when the time is right to do so, is one of my priorities to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the family farm. There are strong supports in place to support succession and the intergenerational transfer of family farms, with support through our CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) and a range of national taxation measures.
The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) cites generational renewal as one of its nine key objectives. Ireland’s CSP 2023-2027 provides substantial resources to achieving generational renewal and measures include:
• The Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CIS-YF), which has a significantly increased financial allocation of 3% of the direct payments ceiling. Payments of some €31.6 million have issued to date.
• Under the National Reserve Scheme, young farmer and new farmer are priority categories. Payments of some €4.3m have issued under this scheme.
• A higher grant rate of 60% for qualified young farmers under the TAMS capital investment measure is available.
• A Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme provides financial support to encourage farmers to form partnerships with young, trained farmers.
In addition, last year I announced the Succession Planning Advice Grant, an innovative measure to encourage and support farmers aged 60 years and over to seek succession planning advice, assisting them to begin to plan for their future and the future of their farms. Under the first tranche, 81 applications were received and payments of €61,354 issued to 51 eligible applicants. Tranche 2 is now open. While relatively modest in its funding, I believe this measure has the potential to encourage and initiate important conversations within families.
Nationally, there are strong taxation measures to facilitate succession and assist land mobility. For succession, Agricultural Relief is the key measure, which along with 100% Stamp Duty Relief and Consanguinity Stamp Duty Relief, provided support of some €274 million in 2022. 100% Stock Relief for Young Trained Farmers was worth another €1.7 million. In addition, the Succession Farm Partnership Scheme provides for a €25,000 tax credit over five years to further assist the transfer of land within a partnership structure. Long-term leasing income tax relief supports access to land for young farmers and provides a route to retirement for older farmers.
On access to finance, the new €500 million Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme for long-term investment, up to 10 years, launched in September 2023. To date approximately 175 loans to the value of €16.9m have been sanctioned. Loans up to €500,000 are unsecured, making it a viable source of finance for young and new entrant farmers, especially the cohort who do not have high levels of security.
The broad range of Teagasc agricultural education activities continues to equip our young farmers with the necessary knowledge to build successful careers.
Food Vision 2030, our stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector, highlights the challenge of generational renewal and proposes several actions, including maintaining the current strong level of current support, the promotion of succession planning & land mobility, and increased education and promotion of the diversity of careers in the agri-food sector.
I will continue to prioritise succession to ensure the ongoing viability of the family farm in Ireland.
67. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on supports for farmers in light of recent adverse weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17843/24]
View answerI am acutely aware of the pressures being experienced by farmers because of the exceptional and prolonged wet weather over the last few months. In responding to these concerns, I have taken several steps to minimise the effects of the current pressures and to support farmers.
My Department paused non-essential farm inspections earlier this month until 22nd of April.
I requested that the National Fodder and Feed Security Committee be re-convened to establish the most up to date facts regarding the fodder and feed situation on farms and to provide advice to assist farmers.
The Committee, at its meetings on the 29th March and 9th April, concluded that, while there are some farmers experiencing difficulties, there are sufficient fodder stocks either on farm or available to purchase and this remains the case.
I asked Teagasc to establish a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who need fodder. In response, Teagasc set up a Fodder Register which is helping connect farmers who have fodder available to those that need it. Teagasc also set up dedicated helplines to provide advice to farmers on how to manage their farms through these challenging times.
I announced a Fodder Transport Measure to provide additional assistance to livestock farmers most severely affected by the prolonged adverse weather. The measure provides a financial contribution towards the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where fodder is plentiful and those where it is scarce.
To give confidence to tillage and horticulture farmers to plant crops this year and to give them confidence in the future of their industry, I recently announced that I would work to deliver a €100/ha payment for every farmer that puts seed in the soil for the harvest year 2024. My Department is considering the next steps, including the State Aid and other approvals and the identification of appropriate funding. I am committed to our tillage and horticulture sectors and despite the constraints of my existing budget, I will work to deliver this support for these farmers.
Thankfully, the weather has improved which is alleviating many of the difficulties that farmers have been contending with. The current settled spell of weather has improved soil trafficability and there has been a return to more normal spring work.
I am conscious of the backlog of machinery work on farms and the pressure and stress that this is putting on farmers and contractors alike. I would urge all involved to have patience as this backlog of work is cleared.
68. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he would consider opening up the fodder transport support scheme to include farmers who purchased fodder from longer distances from 31 January to 31 March; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18422/24]
View answerIn March 2022 I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee. The remit of the Committee is to prepare an industry response, contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises through difficult periods.
In recent months, in recognition of the ongoing and challenging weather conditions, I asked the Chairman to convene the Committee to establish the most up to date facts regarding the fodder and feed situation on farms and to provide advice to assist farmers through this challenging period.
The Committee at it's meeting on the 29 March, concluded that notwithstanding the difficulties that some farmers are experiencing, there were sufficient fodder stocks in the country. While ground conditions were challenging at that point, there was also a good supply of grass and Teagasc were advising farmers they should take any opportunities available, for instance using on-off grazing, to allow animals assess to grass.
I asked Teagasc to establish a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who need fodder.
The National Fodder and Food Security Committee met again on 9 April to get an update on the current situation across the country. At that meeting I announced the introduction of a Fodder Transport Support Measure to provide additional assistance to livestock farmers most severely affected by the prolonged exceptional weather conditions.
This measure resolves a key issue regarding the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where fodder is plentiful and those where it is scarce. It was clear to me that since the previous meeting in late March conditions had worsened and feed availability was an issue in certain parts of the country.
A financial contribution is being provided to farmers to offset transport costs of Hay, Fodder Beet, Straw and Silage for feeding, during the period 1 April to 15 May, where this involves a distance of more than 75 km. I'm satisfied - following my interactions with the Committee - that from early April the issue became more acute and hence support was warranted.
While the weather in recent days has improved the matter of fodder supply will be kept under review in the coming weeks and months to ensure sufficient fodder is available for livestock farmers.
69. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has any intention of revisiting the foot and mouth compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18432/24]
View answerIreland experienced an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in March 2001. On 22nd March 2001, the case was confirmed in a sheep flock near Jenkinstown County Louth.
The only way to contain any further incursion of the disease in the country was to cull a large number of animals in the Cooley Peninsula, near the source of the outbreak.
It is estimated that the culling within the Cooley Peninsula impacted 48,744 sheep, 166 goats, 1,123 cattle, 2,908 pigs, and 280 deer. Outside the Cooley Peninsula it is estimated that 3,826 sheep and 207 cattle were also culled.
This prompt action by the Minister at the time and extensive culling in the area around the infected premises resulted in the successful control of the disease, which if it had spread, would have caused immeasurable damage to Irish agriculture.
Many businesses across the economy were adversely affected by this outbreak. Farmers who lost stock due to depopulation, were compensated for their losses in a payment under Section 17 of the Diseases of Animals Act 1966. In order to estimate the value of this stock, the Department used the services of an expert independent valuer.
My Department considers that flock owners were appropriately compensated financially for their losses at the time. The compensation payments made to farmers in 2001 were clearly understood by recipients to be in full and final settlement of any losses they had suffered as a consequence of the depopulation.
Consequently, this is a matter which I regard as being satisfactorily concluded and we can see no legal basis or other justification to revisit the foot and mouth compensation scheme, more than two decades later.
70. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is taking over responsibility for the inspection of small abattoirs from the local authorities who currently undertake this on behalf of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland; the timeframe within which this will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18421/24]
View answerIrish farmers, fishers and agri-food companies produce world-class food and products to the highest international standards of food safety and quality. Our food safety and traceability systems are critical to supporting the export of our produce across the globe.
Approximately 30 Local Authority Veterinary Inspectors carry out food safety duties at some 500 food businesses; these are mainly smaller slaughter plants, smaller meat products plants, as well as some smaller poultry and other enterprises.
This work is carried out by the Local Authorities under service contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
Approximately 60 Department of Agriculture Veterinary Inspectors (supported by a number of Technical staff) carry out food safety duties in all larger slaughter plants and other larger meat plants, processing plants, cold stores etc.
Discussions have been taking place in recent months in relation to future arrangements regarding the supervision of the smaller premises currently supervised by the Local Authority Veterinary Service. These discussions involve my Department, the Department of Health, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, the County and City Management Association, and the Local Government Management Agency. A Steering Group and a Working Group, comprising representation from the above organisations, was established in 2023 to explore all aspects of the potential transfer of these supervisory functions to my Department, including identifying potential opportunities and synergies that may arise. The discussions which are ongoing have been constructive and positive. However some issues remain to be resolved, so it is not possible to give any definitive timeframe, but the working group and steering group are working towards bringing some finality to the process by quarter four of 2024 if possible.
In the context of the Local Government Reform Agenda, In 2023 the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) established an interdepartmental Group on Local Government. This group is examining ways to build a stronger interdepartmental perspective and more joined up approaches with other Departments in matters relating to local government. These discussions exploring the possible synergies associated with my Department taking on the supervision of these smaller abattoirs and food premises would align well with the objectives of this Interdepartmental Group.
71. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the implications for the agriculture sector in Ireland, given that the European Council has not reached agreement on the EU Nature Restoration Law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18297/24]
View answerEU discussions on Nature Restoration Law are led by the Council of Environment Ministers at EU level and the Minister for Housing and Local Government at national level.
An agreement on the EU Nature Restoration Law has not yet been reached at EU Council. There are therefore no implications for the agriculture sector at this point.
Should the proposal be adopted, the legal obligation to achieve targets within the proposal is on the Member State, not on individuals. Landowner participation in the delivery of NRL ambition is voluntary. The legislation is explicit on this in relation to rewetting, but participation in relation to wider restoration measures is a national competency. The Government is clear that all restoration measures will be voluntary.
Restoration measures will not negatively impact any existing CAP commitment, or any other scheme or incentive delivered by my Department, as confirmed by Commissioner Sinkevicius. Ireland's negotiations in Council have achieved lower rewetting targets than originally proposed alongside other flexibilities which allow Ireland to determine what rewetting means in practice for Ireland. The Government is confident that the 2030 and 2040 rewetting targets, at a minimum, can be met entirely on State lands.
Should the regulation pass at EU level, the Government is committed to ensuring that nature restoration provides additional income streams for landowners and brings benefits to rural economies. Any restoration measures that landowners choose to participate in will be well incentivised and resourced. Incentives will be designed in partnership with all stakeholders over the next two years, as part of the nature restoration planning process. Farmers' expertise will be called upon to shape this. Delivery of the national restoration plan will be aligned with the €3.15billion Climate and Nature fund to support implementation.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is leading Ireland's negotiating position on the Nature Restoration Law. My Department will continuing to engage with them as necessary.
72. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the application of PGI status for boxty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18296/24]
View answerI am delighted that the application for a PGI for boxty has been submitted. Geographical Indications identify a product whose quality, reputation or other characteristics are linked to its geographical origin. Boxty is a traditional locally produced dish which is a great use of potatoes which have long been a staple of the Irish diet. It is deeply rooted in our heritage and I am eager to see it achieve recognition at EU level.
It takes an enormous effort to successfully get a PGI application over the line and only the best and highest quality products can reach that standard.
My Department, as the Competent Authority for Protected Geographical Indications (PGI), checks PGI applications to ensure that the application and product specification are compliant with the relevant European Commission Regulations governing the scheme.
PGI applications require scrutiny at a number of levels: this includes by my own Department, by stakeholders through the national opposition procedure, by the European Commission and by other Member States and third countries. The Boxty PGI applicant has engaged extensively with my Department and has undertaken important work to finalise their product specification and single document in line with the European Commission requirements. I am satisfied that the extensive engagements between my Department and the applicant group has strengthened the application.
My Department is currently examining the latest submission received from the applicant for the Boxty PGI. Once my Department is satisfied that the application is ready, the application can move to the next stage which is the national opposition procedure. This will give an opportunity for all interested parties to examine the application and submit any observations they may wish to make. Once that process is finalised and any oppositions dealt with in accordance with the EU rules, the next stage would be to submit the application to the European Commission for scrutiny.
I am very supportive of PGI applications such as this as they add value to our agri-food products as well as highlighting their heritage.
73. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider seeking protected geographical indication status from the EU for grass-fed Irish beef and dairy products. [18373/24]
View answerUnder current European Commission rules, applications for registration of food product names as Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) may only be submitted by groups who work with the products concerned. Bord Bia is the named applicant on behalf of Irish producers and processors for the PGI for Irish Grass Fed Beef which I am delighted to say was registered by the European Commission last December. The registration was the culmination of five year’s work undertaken to ensure that the application could withstand the scrutiny required under EU rules.
It takes an enormous effort to get a PGI application over the line successfully and thanks to all those involved in the process, Bord Bia, farmers, processors, and my own Department, Irish Grass Fed Beef has now joined an exclusive list of quality European products. In February last, at an event on a suckler farm in Co. Donegal, I marked the registration by the EU of the PGI. It was wonderful a few weeks later to see Irish Grass Fed Beef PGI on the shelves in an Italian supermarket in Milan. This PGI helps to symbolise the farm to fork credentials of our Irish beef products and the work that our farmers put into producing top quality food.
With regard to other beef PGIs, my Department recently launched a PGI national opposition procedure for an application for a PGI for Certified Irish Angus Beef which was submitted for the Certified Irish Angus Producer group. My Department is examining the submissions received and will shortly engage with the applicant with a view to establishing next steps.
In regard to seeking PGI status for dairy products, I would fully support any applications for PGIs and it is open to dairy producers or producer groups to submit a PGI application for their product to my Department, the Competent Authority. There is already a dairy product with GI status in that Imokilly Regato cheese has had Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status since 1999.
A PGI or PDO can help to communicate the quality, reputation and other characteristics of a product’s geographical area. I encourage any producer of beef or dairy products or indeed any food products to contact my Department for information on applying for a geographical indication if they believe they have a product that would qualify for PGI or PDO status. It is important that we convey the merits of our quality food and the geographical indications scheme is an excellent way to do so.
74. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give consideration to a particular proposal on a Commission on the Future of the Family Farm Bill 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18243/24]
View answerLet me say at the outset that I am fully committed to the promotion and retention of the family farm model in Ireland. It is the heartbeat of our rural economy and the centre of all my major initiatives as Minister including of course the almost €10 billion of investment on Irish farms under the CAP Strategic Plan.
It was also core to the development of a 10-year strategy for the agri-food sector which was a key commitment of the Programme for Government. This called for an ambitious blueprint for the sector for the years ahead, supporting family farms & employment in rural Ireland and adding value sustainably into the future, with a strategic focus on environmental protection.
In late 2019, a Committee with 32 members representative of the sector, independently chaired, was established. The Committee held thirteen meetings and following the publication of a draft Strategy and associated environmental assessments for public consultation, a final Strategy was agreed in July.
I was delighted to launch Food Vision 2030, the stakeholder-led strategy for the Irish agri-food sector, in August 2021. Food Vision is honest and upfront about the challenges ahead. Crucially, it proposes solutions and charts a pathway to sustainability in all its dimensions – environmental, economic and social. One of its stand-out aspects is its adoption of a food systems approach, taking a more holistic view of agri-food by ensuring an interconnectedness between it and the areas of health & nutrition and the environment.
Food Vision aims for Ireland to be a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems. Food Vision 2030 sets out 22 goals under four high-level missions that the sector must achieve if it is to fulfil this ambition:
• A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector
• Viable and Resilient Primary Producers, with Enhanced Wellbeing
• Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad
• An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent.
I have committed to leading on Food Vision and established a High Level Implementation Committee. I have already chaired ten meetings of the Committee, where we have examined a wide range of issues. I am pleased to say that implementation of Food Vision 2030 is well underway. The implementation process allows us to monitor progress, examine areas where progress is not being made and to adjust as appropriate. Most importantly we get to engage directly with stakeholders on their views. The first Food Vision Annual Report detailing progress was published in May 2023. I plan to publish the second Food Vision 2030 Annual Report shortly.
I have examined the Commission on the Future of the Family Farm Bill 2024 and note that the issues proposed for such a Commission are the issues of Food Vision 2030: the future of family farms, economically and socially; promoting a greater understanding of food systems; issues around the value chain; greater diversification in production systems and incomes; and ensuring environmental sustainability for agri-food. Food Vision 2030 put farmers and fishers, as our primary producers, at its core. Maintaining the model of family farming is a stated ambition.
I continue to engage and support the stakeholders of Food Vision 2030 and its implementation now is key. Our stakeholders need policy certainty after the churn of recent years and Food Vision offers this if implemented fully. Despite the various challenges of recent years, the sector has shown remarkable resilience and I believe Food Vision provides a vision for a dynamic, sustainable and innovative agri-food sector ready to adapt and to embrace change for a more sustainable future. I am confident that with Food Vision 2030 as a strategic framework, giving a clear statement of our policy intentions, Ireland’s agri-food sector will achieve its stated ambition to become a world leader in sustainable food systems.
75. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the work of the Working Group on Women in Agriculture. [18144/24]
View answerAdvancing the role of women in our agriculture sector is a key priority of mine as Minister. I am pleased to advise that the Women in Agriculture Action Plan is progressing well since I launched it in January. The Group established to implement the Plan has met four times to date and will continue to meet on a quarterly basis.
Good progress has been made across the 12 action points, including:
• Group members, including women farmer representative bodies, are collaborating on dedicated events and webinars for delivery in the coming months.
• Agricultural education organisations have presented to the group on their current work on women in agriculture.
• There is a review of current awards programmes with a view to identifying a suitable way to acknowledge and recognise those who are leading for women in the agri-food sector.
• Work is underway in my Department on communications and reviewing scheme eligibility and educational requirements.
• A central information hub for women active or interested in a career in agriculture is being developed.
• Findings from the HERSELF research project are expected in the summer.
• Funding for a joint study by Teagasc and UCD on “Gender and Generational Factors in Agricultural Resource Management for Sustainability” has just been announced by my Department.
In addition, I have written to the CEOs of all the state boards under my remit, to promote their engagement in the roll-out of the plan as well as asking them to continue to pursue gender balancing strategies within their own organisations.
The Women in Agriculture Action Plan is a practical step towards a more inclusive, gender balanced sector. I remain committed to implementing policies and supports that build on the progress to date through the current CAP Strategic Plan and Food Vision 2030, our shared vision for the agri-food sector to 2030.
76. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to improve supports for tillage farmers who are encountering great difficulties tilling and sowing due to excessive rain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17613/24]
View answerI am acutely aware of the challenges experienced by growers due to the prolonged and exceptional wet weather conditions. The past few months have been very challenging for tillage farmers. Thankfully the weather has improved, and tillage operations and the planting of spring crops are re-commencing as soil conditions continue to improve.
There is still a planting window for crops, but I appreciate the risks associated for tillage farmers. I want to give confidence to growers to plant crops this year and to give them confidence in the future of their industry. Recognising the current difficulties, I will work to deliver €100/ha in financial support for every farmer that puts seed in the soil for the harvest year 2024. My Department is working on next steps including the necessary State Aid and other approvals, and the identification of appropriate funding. I am absolutely committed to increasing our tillage area and despite the constraints of my existing budget, I will work to deliver this support for tillage farmers.
Significant additional support was provided to the tillage sector last year in light of the challenges that growers faced. Payments under the Protein Aid Scheme totalled over €10.1m. The Straw Incorporation Measure provided €16.5 million for tillage farmers, while the Tillage Incentive Scheme provided €8.3 million in support.
Furthermore, I secured €7.147m from the EU Agricultural Reserve to support the tillage sector last year and this was topped up with a further €7.147m in State funding. These funds were paid out in January 2024 to support growers with unharvested crops and as a once-off flat rate payment on the area of oilseed rape and cereal crops.
Last month, I announced an exemption to the crop diversification element of GAEC 7, easing concerns for tillage farmers by allowing them to pick the crops that best suit their circumstances, taking account of time of sowing, market returns and seed availability.
The tillage sector is an important and integral component of the Agri-food industry and is a sector that I want to see grow and develop. That is why I established the Food Vision Tillage Group in May 2023 to set out a road map for the sustainable growth and development of the sector to 400,000ha by 2030. I recently received the final report from the group, and I am considering its recommendations.
77. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on his Department's efforts to support the horticulture sector in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17842/24]
View answerThe horticulture industry makes a valuable contribution to the Irish economy. Many citizens depend on the sector for their livelihoods and for access to fresh local quality produce and plants.
My Department continues to support the horticulture sector in Ireland with a range of initiatives.
The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector grant aids capital investments in specialised plant and equipment in the horticulture sector. The Scheme provided significant support to growers in 2023 and I secured a budget of €10 million for the Scheme in 2024.
Horticulture growers are also eligible for supports under the Cap Strategic Plan. The EU funded Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables provides an invaluable support to the horticulture sector. In 2023 over €6 million was paid to horticulture producers under this scheme. Growers are also eligible to apply for supports under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme, the Agri Climate Rural Environment Scheme, the Organic Farming Scheme and the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme.
In response to the impact of the UK's decision to leave the EU, a total fund of €9.1 million was made available through Brexit Adjustment Reserve related schemes for the horticulture sector in 2023.
Recognising the challenges faced by the horticulture sector in 2023, I secured €2.382 million in funding under the EU Agricultural Reserve. The Horticulture Crisis Fund was a support measure that provided a once off payment in January 2024 to the sub-sectors most at risk due to losses incurred as a result of a combination of high input prices, low output prices and reduced yield last year.
I am very mindful of the impact of the prolonged exceptional weather conditions on the horticultural sector. To give confidence to horticulture farmers to plant crops this year and to give them confidence in the future of their industry, I recently announced that I would work to deliver a €100/ha payment for every farmer that puts seed in the soil for the harvest year 2024. My Department is considering the next steps, including the State Aid and other approvals and the identification of appropriate funding. I am committed to our horticulture sector and despite the constraints of my existing budget, I will work to deliver this support for these farmers.
In June 2023, together with my colleague, Minister Pippa Hackett, I launched the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027. This stakeholder led Strategy sets down a clear vision to grow a more profitable, value-added sector, driven by innovation and sustainability and provides a roadmap for the sector to achieve this potential. I am committed to seeing this sector grow and flourish in the years ahead and my Department, together with stakeholders, are working collaboratively to progress all actions in the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027.
78. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce a financial support package for farmers to manage diseased roadside ash trees safely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18271/24]
View answerI am aware that as ash dieback disease progresses nationally roadside ash trees will become an issue of increasing importance. As a matter of law, the care and management of trees adjacent to roads is the responsibility of the landowner on whose land the roadside trees are growing. It is advisable that landowners make themselves aware of the full legal extent of their land ownership and of any obligations arising from this.
In relation to roadside trees, my colleague, Eamonn Ryan, Minister for Transport has previously stated that Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 sets out the responsibility of landowners to take all reasonable steps to ensure that trees, hedges and other vegetation growing on their land are not, or could not become, a danger to people using a public road or interfere with the safe use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road. He further stated that this responsibility includes the preservation, felling, cutting, lopping, trimming or removal of any such tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation' in question. It is thus advisable that landowners make themselves aware of the full legal extent of their land ownership and of any obligations arising from this. The implementation of the legislation on the management or removal of dangerous roadside trees is the responsibility of the local authority, in its capacity as the relevant road authority.
My Department does not offer funding for the removal of roadside trees, but has published guidance on the subject of roadside trees (“A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees”). This publication provides information on how to identify trees that have ash dieback and outlines specific issues related to health and safety in tree work. It also gives practical guidance to those working with chainsaws taking out hazardous trees. My Department produced this publication in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland and it can be found on my Department’s website.
79. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce specific measures to support farmers affected by extremely difficult weather conditions which have resulted in a much-delayed turnout of livestock and planting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18420/24]
View answerI am acutely aware of the pressures being experienced by farmers because of the exceptional and prolonged wet weather over the last few months. In responding to these concerns, I have taken several steps to minimise the effects of the current pressures and to support farmers.
My Department paused non-essential farm inspections earlier this month until 22nd of April.
I requested that the National Fodder and Feed Security Committee be re-convened to establish the most up to date facts regarding the fodder and feed situation on farms and to provide advice to assist farmers.
The Committee, at its meetings on the 29th March and 9th April, concluded that, while there are some farmers experiencing difficulties, there are sufficient fodder stocks either on farm or available to purchase and this remains the case.
I asked Teagasc to establish a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who need fodder. In response, Teagasc set up a Fodder Register which is helping connect farmers who have fodder available to those that need it. Teagasc also set up dedicated helplines to provide advice to farmers on how to manage their farms through these challenging times.
I announced a Fodder Transport Measure to provide additional assistance to livestock farmers most severely affected by the prolonged adverse weather. The measure provides a financial contribution towards the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where fodder is plentiful and those where it is scarce.
To give confidence to tillage and horticulture farmers to plant crops this year and to give them confidence in the future of their industry, I recently announced that I would work to deliver a €100/ha payment for every farmer that puts seed in the soil for the harvest year 2024. My Department is considering the next steps, including the State Aid and other approvals and the identification of appropriate funding. I am committed to our tillage and horticulture sectors and despite the constraints of my existing budget, I will work to deliver this support for these farmers.
Thankfully, the weather has improved which is alleviating many of the difficulties that farmers have been contending with. The current settled spell of weather has improved soil trafficability and there has been a return to more normal spring work.
I am conscious of the backlog of machinery work on farms and the pressure and stress that this is putting on farmers and contractors alike. I would urge all involved to have patience as this backlog of work is cleared.
80. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is considering the suspension of log imports from Scotland until better safeguards are in place to prevent the spread of the spruce bark beetle to this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18348/24]
View answerImporters in Ireland are already prohibited from importing roundwood from areas known to be affected by quarantine bark beetle species. The only area internationally where imports into Ireland of coniferous roundwood with bark is permitted is from a specific UK Government authority assigned ‘Pest Free Area’ (PFA) in the West of Scotland.
My officials engage closely with their Scottish counterparts on this matter. The Scottish Authorities provide support and evidence of this pest free status through on-going surveillance and maintenance activities and using internationally agreed and accepted procedures.
My Department continues to monitor the threat of the bark beetle proactively and extremely closely. 100% of the consignments that come into Irish ports from the Scottish Pest Free Area are checked, prior to export by the Scottish Authorities and at the port of entry by my officials.
To further protect our forests, my Department has also negotiated an agreement with the Scottish authorities to increase the area within the Pest Free Zone from which imports to Ireland are no longer taking place.
Logs originating in the PFA enter Ireland under the control of Revenue pending inspection by my Department. The accompanying documents are examined and the commodity is inspected for the presence of regulated harmful organisms. Following the inspection and absence of regulated harmful organisms the consignment is released.
My Department will continue to engage with Scottish counterparts on an ongoing basis as the situation in the Pest Free Area (PFA) evolves in the months and years ahead. Following the recent changes in the Scottish Pest Free Area (PFA) however, and the ongoing checks in Scotland and at the point of entry in Ireland, I have no plans to suspend the trade of logs from the Pest Free Area (PFA) of Scotland into Ireland.
Ireland is a member of the World Trade Organisation and operates under the WTO SPS (Sanitary and PhytoSanitary) Agreement which sets-out the framework within which those who follow the WTO-SPS rules can operate. The establishment, operation and maintenance of the Scottish PFA is done through WTO-SPS rules and procedures, and as a member, Ireland is bound by these rules and procedures and will not take unilateral action to ban trade when operated in these circumstances.
Ireland is also an exporter of Coniferous roundwood, in particular to the UK, and as a trading nation, is bound by the EU and international trade and plant health law. This limits the scope of a country to take unilateral actions to restrict trade, such as a ban on imports of timber from the Scottish Pest Free Area, as this would contravene that agreed EU and international trade and plant health law.
Under my Department’s Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2020-2025 my Department committed to the establishment of a Plant Health Stakeholders’ Group. My officials recently hosted a very successful first meeting of the bark beetle stakeholder sub-group at which my officials took the opportunity to present the up to date position on a range of bark-beetles and associated measures being implemented. Further meetings will be organised.
It is imperative that all stakeholders remain vigilant and involved in relation to plant health in all its aspects, as it is a dynamic environment influenced by issues such as climate change, trade and the changing nature of trade.
81. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the area of land where forestry was planted last year; the amount expected to be planted this year; if there are specific measures in place to increase the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18353/24]
View answer93. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of new afforestation in the years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024; and his target afforestation for the remainder of 2024. [17715/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 93 together.
It is the case that there has been a decline in afforestation in recent years. In 2020 2,434 hectares of land were afforested, with 2,061 hectares in 2021, 2,273 hectares in 2022 and 1,651 hectares in 2023.
The Afforestation target for 2024 is 8,000 hectares, and to date this year my Department has received notification of intention to plant over 1,300 hectares. Furthermore there are nearly 3,000 hectares already approved and available for planting immediately under the new Programme. Some 300 hectares have been planted and paid for to date in 2024, with applications for payment being submitted and paid on a weekly basis.
The new Forestry Programme aims to reverse the decline in planting by offering attractive and diverse options for planting, especially for farmers. This government has committed €1.3 billion to the Programme, which is the best-funded and most environmentally friendly programme to date.
The new Afforestation Scheme offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types which cover a broad range of planting options including Native Woodland, Continuous Cover Forestry and Emergent Forests. It provides generous incentives to farmers in particular, to re-engage with forestry. These include increases in premium rates ranging from between 46% to 66%, along with a longer premium term of 20 years for farmers, compared to 15 years for non-farmers, across most Forest Types.
Afforestation is a voluntary land use choice for landowners and building confidence among landowners of the benefits of forestry will be key to increasing afforestation rates on recent low trends. In order to encourage uptake we have engaged in extensive promotion of the forestry options available including funding 42 stakeholder projects. These projects will promote the Forestry Programme through a wide variety of approaches and will engage with the wider community to highlight the benefits of forests as a source of biodiversity, enjoyment and inspiration.
A targeted media campaign has been underway across all media and will continue throughout 2024. In addition, more than 1,000 people attended 20 Teagasc-led in-person meetings for the public on the new afforestation scheme throughout the country and Teagasc will continue to promote forestry.
My Department has the capacity to issue sufficient licences to meet the annual target of 8,000 hectares and we have put additional resources in place to do so. I recognise that planting at this scale is a challenge but believe that it is in all our interests to work towards this target. It will require a concerted and united effort from all those interested in forestry across communities, public bodies, the forestry sector and farmers to make this a reality.
