Written Answers Nos. 141-160
141. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the fisheries discussion at the recent meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, held in Brussels on 21 November 2022. [61217/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held on the 21 November, there were three fisheries related items. All three were information points from the Commission and I will go through each item in turn.
The Commission provided information on its forthcoming initiative on the energy transition in the EU fisheries and aquaculture sectors, which aims to set out concrete actions to help the sector in the energy transition in the short to medium term and towards 2050. I am supportive of this initiative and it is similar to previous schemes we have implemented.
The main scheme supporting actions in this area for Ireland was the Sustainable Fisheries Scheme, implemented by BIM. The scheme concerned many aspects of sustainability, fuel consumption and carbon footprint of the fishing sector under Ireland’s European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Seafood Development Programme (2014-2020). While the EMFF is approaching closure, a new programme for Ireland under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) has been approved by Government and has been submitted to the European Commission for adoption. The new programme provides scope for the development of similar measures.
The second information point was in relation to EU Algae Sector. This Communication examines the potential of algae in the EU and sets out a coherent approach, including a list of targeted actions, to support the upscaling of algae cultivation and production throughout the EU, and to develop markets for algae applications. A new European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund programme for Ireland has been developed, approved by Government and is awaiting adoption by the European Commission. This will be a key source of funding for the implementation of the recently developed National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development, which recognises the importance of seaweed cultivation for a variety of sectors and it will guide development of innovations in this sector.
The last fisheries related item was part of a discussion in relation to nature restoration that also included forestry and agricultural aspects. The proposed regulation states that it is designed to work in synergy with existing directives and policies, including the Common Fisheries Policy and Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The targets proposed are very ambitious and delivery will be complex given the potential economic impacts on the fishing industry and aquaculture sector. Further work is needed with a view to ensuring that the targets set are appropriate and meaningful and do not unnecessarily adversely impact on the important seafood sector.
142. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way his Department ensures that such works with respect to the installation of PV solar panels funded by Department payments are carried out in a safe manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61221/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFarm Safety is always an integral part of any scheme administered by my Department. Minister of State Martin Heydon has specific responsibility for farm safety and has done an excellent job in this space.
Grant aid is provided through Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS) for the installation of Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms. This aid assists farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms.
The terms and conditions of TAMS state that all Solar installation must meet the minimum specification outlined in S.198 which is available on my Department’s website. Adherence to the requirements of this specification is a condition of grant aid. The specification provides for the installation of a fit for purpose solar PV system that delivers for the applicant.
The application of the latest safety standards at installation stage is prioritised in this specification and is evident to see when reading the document.
Furthermore, my Department has drawn up a list of eligible and competent installers to carry out the necessary work. All such installers have been verified individually as to their competency in carrying out such installations to the latest standards in the technical and electrical area. It is also a requirement that they have the appropriate level of employers and public liability insurance cover.
Prior to considering installing a Solar PV system, a registered installer must carry out a Solar PV Energy Survey of the farm enterprise which must be included with the application for grant-aid.
When approval has been granted, the following criteria shall be met
- All systems installed shall comply with this specification and where relevant the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Code of Practice for Installers (referred to hear after as the code of practice for installers).
- All works shall be completed by a registered installer on the Department’s Solar PV Approved Installer List (S.198A), available on the Department’s website.
- The electrical works shall be completed by a Safe Electric Ireland / RECI electrician. • Only the use of newly fitted materials and new products is permitted.
- Applicants shall complete an ESB Networks NC6 form for the application for a connection to the electricity distribution system for a microgenerator.
Failure to adhere to these conditions will lead to withholding of grant-aid.
143. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his response to the call by an organisation (details supplied) to set up a new Food Vision tillage group. [61003/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tillage sector is a sector that I am a huge proponent of and is an important and integral component of the Agri-food industry. It has a vital role to play in enabling Ireland to become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems as set out in the 2030 Vision for Irelands Agri-Food Sector.
The tillage sector is a major contributor to livestock production providing high quality grain to the animal feeding industry and straw for feeding and bedding. It also makes a significant contribution to the food and drinks sector. It is the most carbon efficient sector of Irish Agriculture and it is my ambition to grow the area under tillage production while further enhancing its environmental credentials.
I have supported the tillage sector and the relevant tillage Food Vision Actions through targeted policy interventions and supports and will continue to do so into the future.
I introduced the Straw Incorporation Measure in 2021. This measure will deliver an estimated €12m in support for the tillage sector in 2022 and will be continued in the CSP (CAP Strategic Plan) 2023-2027.
The budget for the Protein Aid Scheme will be increased from €3m to €7m in the next CSP.
Earlier this year, I introduced the Tillage Incentive Scheme with a €400/ha payment on additional crop area. The scheme is being continued for 2023 to maintain and build on the progress made by the Scheme in 2022.
To date, tillage farmers have received over €32m in financial support under the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme. Targeted support for capital investment in the tillage crops sector will continue in the next CSP.
I have also provided for measures which tillage farmers can access in the Agri-Environmental and Climate Measures in the next CSP.
My Department funds research on various topics relevant to the sector including research on Integrated Pest Management.
My Department also conducts a comprehensive variety trialling system to identify varieties most suitable for Irish farmers and supports the industry through the seed certification schemes which ensures growers have access to top quality seed.
My Department engages with various tillage stakeholder groups on an ongoing basis including the Teagasc Tillage Crop Stakeholder Consultative Group, the Irish Protein Stakeholders Group and the Tillage Representative Groups.
While there are no plans to establish a new Food Vision Tillage Group, I ensure the Deputy that my Department will continue its open-door policy of engagement with all relevant tillage stakeholders to grow and realise the potential of this important sector. I am happy to consider any proposal from stakeholders regarding the establishment of such a body.
144. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will support the Bill in the name of this Deputy on hare coursing; and if he will support a ban on hare coursing. [61372/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoursing is regulated under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly by the Irish Coursing Club (ICC), subject to the general control and direction of Rásaíocht Con Éireann; hare coursing is managed and regulated by the Irish Coursing Club. The organisation consists of 89 affiliated clubs from Ireland and Northern Ireland, all of whom are governed by the ICC’s rules and regulations.
The granting of licenses for the netting and tagging of hares is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage – National Parks and Wildlife Service.
A monitoring committee on coursing is in place, comprising officials from my Department, the ICC and the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS), to monitor developments in coursing and, in that regard, the situation is kept under constant review to ensure that coursing is run in a controlled manner.
The committee meets annually to review the previous coursing season and any matters arising.
It is important that those involved in coursing operate in accordance with the regulatory framework and that the welfare of both hares and greyhounds is at the forefront at all times. I have no plans at present to alter this arrangement.
145. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will support a ban on the advertisement of meat, as in the city of Haarlem, due to its negative impact on the environment; and if he will make a public statement on the matter and take action to implement the measure. [61371/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a reputation internationally as a world class producer of high quality sustainably produced meat.
More than 80,000 family farms in Ireland are involved in the production of beef. These families are integral to the maintenance of both the environmental and social sustainability of rural communities, support jobs in the processing sector and make a significant contribution to the wider economy.
Ireland has an important role to play as a developed nation and a sustainable producer of food to both help to mitigate the impacts of climate change, which are disproportionately impacting on the poorest people in the world, and to support global food security.
Food Vision 2030, our strategy for the sustainable development of the agri-food sector over the next decade, includes a number of actions to help to communicate credible, market relevant environmental and social sustainability credentials of our food, including meat, to trade customers and consumers in both national and international markets, and to develop market opportunities both home and abroad.
Ireland currently has an application for PGI status for Irish Grass Fed Beef under consideration by the European Commission, which, if approved, will contribute to communicating the credentials of Irish beef to consumers.
As the Deputy may be aware, I have recently received a report from the Chair of the Food Vision Beef and Sheep Group, proposing direct and enabling measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the beef sector, in line with the legally binding target of a 25% reduction in agricultural emissions by 2030.
I will consider this report carefully before deciding on next steps. The Group will now move on to progressing the other important actions for the beef and sheep sectors set out in the Food Vision 2030 strategy.
Under the new CAP strategic plan, beef farmers can avail of the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) with available funding of €260 million. The aim of the Programme which will run from 2023 to 2027, is to provide support to beef farmers to improve the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd and to improve the genetic merit of the suckler herd.
My ultimate aim is to futureproof our beef sector for the benefit of our industry, the environment and our farm families who are the backbone of the sector and rural communities. To conclude, I do not support a ban on the advertising of meat.
147. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce appropriate measures to ensure there is a proper spread of forestry throughout the country in view of the recently announced national forestry programme; if his attention has been drawn to concerns in some communities of excessive tree planting in some areas causing difficulties for communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61183/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, it is important to note that we are facing into a bright and exciting future for forestry in the country.
We have delivered an impressive and ambitious new €1.3bn National Forestry Programme that will revolutionise the way we all as farmers, landowners and society interacts with forestry.
It will be a key income driver for our farm families and it will help drive a healthy and balanced economy.
What we have now is a new vision for forestry.
We want the right trees in the right places for the right reasons for the right management, supporting a sustainable and thriving economy and a healthy environment.
Our national afforestation target of 8,000 hectares per year is for the whole and there are no county or regional targets.
This is to allow equal opportunity to all landowners who wish to contribute to the national effort towards increasing our afforestation from the current relatively low level of 11.6%.
This increased planting will aim to support economic growth in rural areas whilst ensuring that the environment is protected and will seek to address the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. In addition, help will be given to local communities to develop forest recreational spaces for the enjoyment of all.
Forestry is highly regulated and my Department takes account of a number of factors including environmental guidelines and site conditions prior to approving afforestation applications.
Proposals to plant trees are subject to rigorous checks and undergo careful planning by professional foresters which must comply with the Department's requirements as set out in the Forestry Standards Manual, Scheme Documents, Code of Best Practice – Ireland and a suite of environmental guidelines including the Environmental Requirements for Afforestation and the Land Types for Afforestation. There are also a number of statutory consultees who are consulted on individual applications where relevant and these include the Environmental Protection Agency, NPWS and Inland Fisheries Ireland amongst others.
It is worth noting the considerable work that has been undertaken this year in developing a vision for a new future for forestry in Ireland.
I am referring to the recently published Shared National Vision for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland until 2050 which was informed by a series of extensive engagements and consultation. The outcome of the public consultation and engagement process produced wide ranging and well represented views.
These views were gathered via a public attitudes survey, a study on attitudes of communities and interested parties (including Irish Rural Link), a youth forum with Foróige, an online public consultation survey, a deliberative dialogue, and bilateral engagements with key stakeholders. Each strand of the public consultation and engagement process provided feedback on the existing types of trees and forests and what mix people would like to see in new forests in Ireland.
Creating new forests to address biodiversity loss and climate change were priorities for the public in this process. There was a common view across the consultation strands that more mixed and diverse forests that can provide multiple benefits could have positive impacts on communities and local landscapes.
The new Forestry Programme for 2023-2027 is grounded in the Shared National Vision, which envisages the right trees in the right place for the right reasons with the right management. The Programme, and the Forestry Strategy, which is the framework within which it operates, has recently closed to a separate public consultation from which we are currently collating and reviewing the feedback received, and this in turn will inform the final version.
148. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rules that apply within his Department for staff and officials who leave for roles in the private sector; the cooling-off periods that apply; and if he has had any engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter. [61126/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Civil Servants, the staff in the Department have a responsibility to ensure that their work is carried out to the highest possible standards at all times.
The Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, which was introduced in accordance with the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 sets out a framework within which all Civil Servants must carry out their duties. This Code upholds the core values of honesty, integrity, equality, fairness, respect and impartiality.
Section 20 of the Code sets out the conditions that must be met by civil servants relating to the acceptance of outside appointments and of consultancy engagement following resignation or
retirement from the Civil Service. Any civil servant intending to be engaged in or connected with (i) any outside business with which he or she had official dealings or (ii) any outside business that might gain an unfair advantage over its competitors by employing him or her, must inform the appropriate authority of such an intention. Additionally, civil servants who hold positions which are “designated positions” for purposes of the Ethics Acts must first obtaining approval from the appropriate authority.
The Department has a strong culture of providing the best possible service to citizens and staff in the Department are aware of their obligations under the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, both during and post-employment as Civil Servants.
150. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the funding provided by his Department to Teagasc for the acquisition of a series of flux towers; the purpose of these towers; the role of the towers in rewarding farmers for carbon sequestration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60837/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Department’s strategic investment in soil carbon research, funding of over €3.8m has been provided for the establishment of a ‘National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory’ by supplying the scientific infrastructure to measure GHG fluxes from soils under agricultural management.
Through this investment, Teagasc, on behalf of the Department, has commenced intensive monitoring of carbon emissions and removals across a range of Irish soils, putting Ireland at the forefront internationally in terms of understanding, supporting and rewarding farmers for practices that build carbon stores in our soils.
How we manage the carbon locked up in our soils, and support farmers to implement practices that build carbon must be built on robust science. This investment will create a significant bank of knowledge and information that will allow us to target and reward actions that remove carbon and store it in our soils.
There is a need to improve the data in the National Inventory to accurately reflect the actual emissions and sequestration from grasslands in order to verify progress towards our targets. Further, there is a lack of data available for determining the change in soil carbon stocks in grasslands on organic and mineral soils in Ireland due to a lack of relevant research, data collection and monitoring infrastructure.
This proposal will help establish approximately 30 GHG “Flux Towers” across a range of soil types. The resulting “National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory” will place Ireland at the forefront of EU carbon sequestration research and will enable Ireland to:
- Better quantify soil carbon emissions and sinks from agricultural land.
- Enable mitigation measures to increase carbon sequestration to be included in the national inventory.
- Participate in the EU ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System) network.
- Enable Ireland to benefit from the 2018 EU Effort Sharing Regulation.
Arming ourselves with crucial data is a key aspect of strategy to meet our climate ambitions and it is very important that we develop a greater understanding of the carbon in our soil.
151. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that are being taken to ensure that farmers are aware of supports available to them if struggling with their well-being; his consideration on providing supports additional to what is currently in place for farmer welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61364/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for asking this question on such an important topic.
This Government has prioritised farm safety, health and wellbeing. Dedicated funding of €2.25m was allocated in Budget 2022 for a range of initiatives including initiatives to support increased awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being among farmers.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), along with the HSE and the Department of Health, has cofunded a farmers physical and mental health awareness programme called ‘On Feirm Ground’. This programme is providing training for agricultural advisors to engage with and signpost farmers to supports in relation to health and wellbeing.
To date, approximately one third of agricultural advisors have been trained, with a target to deliver the programme to 800 farm advisors. Plans are underway to expand this programme to other professionals coming in regular contact with farmers in 2023.
DAFM is funding eight farm safety European Innovation Partnerships (EIP’s) projects to the value of €1.8m.
Four of these projects are focused on the mental health of people in the farming community. The projects focus on addressing challenges around farm safety, health and well-being through innovative approaches which encourage a change in behaviour from the bottom up. Additional funding has been made available to extend these projects into 2023.
DAFM is also providing support for research into farmer mental health. Funding has been provided for the FarMHealth Research Project - the DCU study examining farmers mental health literacy & help-seeking behaviour. Results from this study will inform the development of an educational mental health intervention for farmers.
DAFM supports the work of the HSA’s Farm Safety Partnership and was recently involved in the publication of its booklet on “Farmers’ Health and Wellbeing - A Guide to Staying Healthy While Farming”. The booklet includes a section on coping with stress and minding your mental health.
DAFM's Farm Safety, Health and Wellbeing webpage includes links and contact numbers to helplines for a range of support organisations for any farmer or family member needing assistance with mental health. A link to the Teagasc/Mental Health Ireland booklet “Coping with the Pressures of Farming” is also listed on the webpage.
Farm safety, health and wellbeing is a priority for me and my colleague, Minister of State Martin Heydon T.D. Dedicated funding has been increased to €2.5m in Budget 2023 which will allow existing initiatives to continue as well as develop new initiatives to build on DAFM's efforts to improve farm safety, health and wellbeing.
152. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made to date with the dredging at Ros an Mhíl fishery harbour and the development of a deep-water pier there; when it is hoped to have a contractor on site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60544/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I announced that the Government had approved the Deep-Water Quay Project in Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre in February this year. The Deep-Water Quay project will provide an additional 200m of quayside and over 70% greater depth to accommodate larger fishing vessels and attract additional landings from both Irish and non-Irish fishing vessels.
Our Fishery Harbour Centres are critical to the seafood industry and Ros an Mhíl is a clear example of how these facilities stimulate economic activity for the surrounding rural coastal communities. The potential for downstream development and jobs has been acknowledged by my Cabinet colleagues including Ministers Catherine Martin and Jack Chambers. This project is further evidence of this Government’s commitment to addressing the impacts of Brexit on the sector and to a strong future for Ireland’s seafood primary producers.
In April, my Department appointed a consultant to supervise and manage various elements of the project and in due course handover the completed construction works back to my Department. Initially my Department was advised to procure dredging services separate to the civil works to deliver the quay. However, the standalone dredging tender failed to attract any bidders. A further tender competition combining the dredging and civil works was issued and ultimately had a closing date for submissions of 22 November. My Department together with the appointed consultant are currently evaluating the submissions received.
Public procurement policy and regulations dictate the procedures for handling procurement matters and it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on that process. While I cannot currently identify any date when construction works will begin, my Department is actively focused on advancing this part of the process.
153. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a land use strategy is being developed within which aspirations for forestry for the protection of biodiversity, climate, renewables and for the bioeconomy could be evolved in a coherent manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60852/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government committed to a land use review to inform future government policy. The way we manage our land plays an important role in the protection of biodiversity, climate change mitigation and the food we produce.
Land use policy also plays a crucial role in land use diversification. Increasing the area of forestry will be crucial in increasing the amounts of carbon dioxide removed through sequestration. Increasing the area of forestry will also provide significant opportunities in producing renewable biomass for heat and will contribute to the growing bioeconomy.
Land use is a crucial climate mitigation and adaptation measure available to Ireland, but there are significant challenges to be overcome to maximise the potential contribution from land use. In considering Ireland’s land use, the National Land Use Review is taking account of a wide range of factors such ownership, environmental, social and economic considerations. It will also take account of the range of emissions from different land uses and how they impact on the Land Use, Land Use Change and forestry sector, known as LULUCF.
The review is being carried out in two distinct phases with Phase 1 due for completion this year. The work is being carried out with the support of a Land Evidence Forum chaired by the Environmental Protection Agency and the oversight of a Land Use Review Steering Committee co-chaired by my Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
Phase 1 of the Land Use Review is almost complete and will provide an evidence base to determine the environmental, ecological, and economic characteristics of land types across Ireland. Phase 2 will build on Phase 1 with a focus on policies, measures and actions.
Policies on land use can have an impact on the amount of land being used for different purposes. Increasing the area of forestry will impact on the area of land in other activities and government policy is to significantly increase the area of forestry from 11.6 % to 18% forest cover.
The new Forestry Programme recently announced for 2023-2027 will see funding of €1.3 billion assigned to a range of measures targeted at increasing the rate of afforestation.
A new Forestry Strategy to 2030 will also see other measures targeted at harnessing the significant opportunities from our existing forests and the positive impacts they will have in producing harvested wood products, renewables and the growing bioeconomy.
The land use strategy will also play an important role in the implementation of the Forestry Strategy as land use options are considered.
154. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions that he is taking to address the programme For Government commitment to ensure that inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels and recreational fishers and that pair trawling will be prohibited inside the six-mile limit. [61002/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you know, following a public consultation process in which over 900 submissions were received, the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine announced in December 2018 that vessels over 18m would be excluded from trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines from 1 January 2020. A transition period of three years for vessels over 18m targeting sprat was allowed to enable adjustment for these vessels, as the sprat fishery is concentrated inside the six nautical mile zone.
A Policy Directive was issued by the Minister to the independent Licensing Authority to give effect to these measures. The Policy Directive directed the Licensing Authority to insert a condition to this effect into the licences of affected vessels.
A Judicial Review to the High Court was taken by two applicant fishers challenging the validity of the Policy. On 6th October 2020, the Judge held in summary that the High Court’s final order should be, among other matters, a declaration that Policy Directive 1 of 2019 was made in breach of fair procedures and is void and/or of no legal effect. The breach of fair procedures as referenced above related to a failure with obligations to consult with the applicants in accordance with, and to the extent required by, the consultation process and in particular by failing to consult with them a second time once a preferred option had been identified. A stay on the order was refused by the High Court on 10th December 2020.
I appealed the decision of the High Court to the Court of Appeal. I also sought a stay on the order of the High Court. The Court of Appeal reinstated the Ministerial Policy Directive on 19th March 2021, when the Court was persuaded that the balance of justice leaned in favour of the State and granted a stay on the order of the High Court up until the hearing of the substantive appeal in June. Following a full hearing by the Court of Appeal on 22nd June 2021, the Court decided to temporarily extend the Policy Directive excluding large vessels from trawling in inshore waters within 6 miles of the coast, save for a restricted sprat fishery.
On September 23rd, 2021, the Court of Appeal refused my application to further continue the stay. This refusal means that the decision of the High Court stands and the Policy Directive is no longer valid, meaning vessels over 18 metres in length overall have resumed trawling in the waters inside 6 nautical miles. These vessels also no longer require an authorisation to fish for sprat inside 6 nautical miles.
The Court of Appeal issued an unapproved judgment on 19th July last and requested further submissions from both parties. These have been provided to the Court on my behalf.
As this matter continues to be sub judice, I am not in a position to comment further until the matter can be resolved before the Courts.
155. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the scheme for the forgotten farmers. [61223/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have committed to helping the cohort of farmers known as forgotten farmers. The details of the eligibility requirements and benefits to successful applicants for any scheme to support the forgotten farmer group have yet to be finalised. I am committed to supporting this cohort of farmers who find themselves in this situation, in many cases, through no fault of their own. The eligibility requirements and other scheme details will be made available as soon as this process has been completed.
156. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the cultural barriers preventing women taking over family farms; the steps his Department will take to support women in taking over family farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60791/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGender equality is a priority for Government. It is also a core principle of the European Union and the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) Regulations place a particular focus on promoting the participation of women in the socio-economic development of rural areas, with special attention to farming.
At a European level the number of women in farming has been slowly increasing. 2016 data suggests that, on average, around 30% of farms across the EU are managed by a woman, but with some considerable differences between Member States. The Census of Agriculture 2020 reported that just 13% of farm holders in Ireland are female.
I am very pleased that, for the first time, Ireland’s new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) includes specific measures aimed at increasing the participation of women in farming. Ireland’s CSP, which will deliver some €10bn to farm families over the next five years, includes innovative proposals to promote gender equality, including:
- An increased grant rate of 60% under the Capital Investment Scheme to fund investments by trained women farmers.
- The promotion of women-only Knowledge Transfer Groups.
- Improved recording and reporting of gender data and the leveraging of the National CAP Network to increase the involvement of all women in the implementation of CAP.
- All CAP interventions will be developed with a gender-aware perspective to ensure there are no inherent barriers to women's participation.
- European Innovation Partnerships offer an ideal opportunity for the sector to develop initiatives that will promote women's participation in farming.
In addition, since 2015, my Department has provided support for rural female entrepreneurs under the ACORNS programme. This initiative involves the development and implementation of a tailored programme to support early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland.
Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, recognises the importance of gender equality to its long-term sustainability and includes actions to promote and improve gender balance.
It proposed holding a national dialogue on women in agriculture. I formally launched that conference last week and announced that former Tánaiste and Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan, will chair the event on 1st February next year, St Brigid’s Day. The Conference will examine gender equality in farming and the agri-food sector generally and hear the views of women themselves on what more can be done on this important issue. The outcomes of the Conference will feed into future policy in this regard.
157. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in budget 2023 to support young farmers. [61336/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am a strong supporter of generational renewal and assisting the next generation take over the farm when the time is right to do so. The challenge of generational renewal is widely recognised at national and EU level and is a priority for Government.
Under the new CAP Strategic Plan, Ireland will implement the Young Farmers’ Scheme, dedicating some 3% of the direct payments ceiling to help young farmers establish their farming businesses. This allocation of approximately €35m per year will see qualifying young farmers benefit on a per hectare basis, which will be more advantageous to young farmers than the current system, which was linked to payment entitlements.
The proposed rate will significantly increase from approximately €70/ha in the current programme to over €170/ha, with a maximum payment area of 50ha and payment on all eligible hectares, even those without corresponding entitlements.
In tandem, we will also implement the National Reserve in each year of the new CAP to fund at a minimum the mandatory categories of young farmers and new entrants to farming.
A higher grant rate for qualified young farmers under the capital investment measure will also be available. The CSP will also continue to provide support for collaborative farming and proposes innovative ways to advise older farmers on succession and retirement options, which will increase the availability of land for younger farmers.
Budget 2023 includes the renewal of vital tax reliefs including Stamp Duty Relief and Stock Relief for Young Trained Farmers. The renewal of Capital Gains Tax Relief for Farm Restructuring and Stamp Duty Relief for Farm Consolidation in Budget 2023 encourages the consolidation of farm holdings, reducing fragmentation and improving the operation and viability of farms.
National taxation measures on succession and land mobility, together with the support available under the CAP, represent a substantial commitment to young farmers.
In addition, all access to finance loan schemes and cost of living crisis measures implemented in the budget are available to young farmers to ensure their enterprise remains resilient in the face of current economic challenges. The new €500 million Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS), which will facilitate strategic investment by SMEs, including farmers, fishers and food businesses, to ensure their continued viability and sustainability into the future, will assist young farmers in particular.
Supporting young farmers continues to be a priority and I will continue to actively engage on this issue.
158. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the anticipated steps needed in order to implement carbon farming as a reliable source of income for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60853/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth I and my Department recognises the important role that land managers including our farmers and foresters will play in meeting our ambitious national climate change targets.
The successful achievement of these targets will be influenced by the early adoption of innovations such as Carbon Farming.
The potential to reward farmers with a new income stream for their carbon sequestration activities is recognised within Climate Action Plan 2021 which commits government to, “explore the development of a carbon farming model”.
As a result, officials within the Department are currently exploring, primarily through the Carbon Farming Working Group, how an enabling framework for carbon farming can be developed and although this work is at an early stage the potential rewards for farmers, and society in general, are clear.
The most recent proposals from the European Commission on developing a certification framework for carbon removals is key in this regard and it is important that activity at national level keeps in line with and is complementary to European activity.
Developing baseline data to support measurement, reporting and monitoring has been highlighted in the recent Commission proposal as crucial in providing the quality and credible carbon farming actions.
To help establish the required baseline data required for a carbon sequestration reward model, I have provided funding through my Department, for initiatives such as the establishment of the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory, the Pilot Soil Sampling Programme and the Farm Environmental Scheme along with a number of European Innovation Partnership (EIP) research projects based on peatsoils, to provide the required data for the development of future policy options in this area.
My Department currently supports our farmers and foresters in their sequestration activities primarily through the Afforestation Programme including agroforestry, in a variety of configurations. An example of a positive development to date in this area is my Department’s ‘Woodland Environmental Fund’ where private businesses can part-fund the establishment of native woodlands on farms and from which a number of lessons may be learned for the future implementation of an Irish based Carbon Farming incentivisation scheme.
I am hugely excited and enthusiastic about the future of carbon farming in Ireland. It will play a key role in meeting our climate ambitions while also creating a new potential income for farmers.
160. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will set out the details of the two new tillage-focused research projects that were recently announced; when the projects will commence; the persons or bodies that will be involved in the projects; the timeline for the commencement and termination dates of the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60836/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNew ways of sustainable crop production are necessary to increase productivity, quality and resilience of crops while also reducing the amount of inputs used.
With this in mind, I, along with Minister of State Martin Heydon, was delighted to be in a position recently to announce funding for two Irish projects that have been successful in a European Agrobiodiversity research Call. The projects will focus on improving the resilience of barley and wheat crops.
Project “Recobar” on recovering and exploiting old and new barley diversity for future ready Agriculture proposes a variety of approaches to broaden barley’s genetic base while exploring the wide diversity harboured by old varieties for adaptation to shifting climates, discovery and deployment of genes affecting key traits, and evaluating soil diversity dynamics in relation to barley diversity. This project will expand our knowledge on barley agrobiodiversity, improve barley adaptation to changing climates and promote sustainable crop production.
It will commence in the first quarter of 2023 and will run for 3 years. Dr Sonia Negrao of UCD is the lead Irish partner in this project, involving partners from Spain, Finland, Italy, Poland, Estonia and Turkey. It has been awarded €499,000 by my Department.
The second project “WheatSecurity” focuses on the identification and sustainable deployment of wheat genetic diversity to enhance the resilience and security of the European food supply. This project will harness genetic resources to increase the resilience and sustainability of wheat production in biogeographically and climatically diverse zones across the EU. It will assess agronomic performance, quality, abiotic and biotic stress resistance/tolerance, as well as interaction with microbial ecosystem components.
The project will also commence in first quarter of 2023 and will run for three years. Prof Fiona Doohan of UCD is the lead coordinator of this European project, involving partners from Spain, France, Italy, Denmark and Scotland, and which received an award of €499,000 from my Department.
Mindful of my departments Food Vision 2030 Strategy, I welcome these projects as they will provide practical knowledge on how diversity can improve our agricultural ecosystems and deliver on restoring and enhancing biodiversity.
