Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 March 2025
396. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will take steps to amend Ireland’s proposal on GAEC2 in order that it is fairer for all farmers and not impact smaller family farms more than those larger farm enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13260/25]
View answerGAEC 2 (protection of carbon rich soils) is a baseline requirement under the CAP regulations, and is legally required to be put in place for 2025 as part of the conditionality requirements for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) payment scheme. The proposal which my Department has submitted to the European Commission for approval aims to strike the balance between the vital protection of peatlands and wetlands, and the farmer's right to continue with agricultural activity on this land.
With regard to the impact on different farm sizes, all farms regardless of size are subject to conditionality requirements.
The proposal does not prohibit any of the common practices that these lands are typically subject to. For grassland, reseeding is still possible, as is maintenance and repair of existing drains. New drains are also allowed, subject to the relevant planning legislation, which is already a requirement.
