Conor D McGuinness
Question:
161. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is concerned about the closure of smaller scale abattoirs and the difficulties now facing small producers and organic producers in processing their animals (details supplied); to highlight any solutions or supports that might be available to these small-scale producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34718/25]
View answer
The information requested is not readily available and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.
My Department recognises the challenges faced by small producers and organic producers in general and is committed to developing and supporting a vibrant rural economy underpinned by a competitive and sustainable agri-food sector. However, ultimately the operation of abattoirs is, subject to the regulatory requirements, a commercial matter. In 2024, my Department issued a call for proposals to optimise short food supply chains. The call for the period 2024-2026 had a maximum amount of grant aid available of €150,000 per project. There were five different themes to the call, namely: • developing premium markets closer to home;
• encouraging collaboration among stakeholders;
• supporting small food producers;
• encouraging farmers markets and
• the development of community gardens.
In relation to the Organic sector, in 2024, my Department launched the National Organic Strategy (2024-2030). The Strategy, was developed by the Organic Strategy Forum, chaired by Padraig Brennan, with input from stakeholders from across the sector, taking on board the outputs of the public consultation process. The Strategy identifies a significant opportunity for Ireland in moving to a position of world leadership in organic farming. The focus on ensuring that organic farmers, fishers and food producers are competitive and productive, with enhanced well-being and economic sustainability.
Furthermore, the need for a dedicated resource for Certified Organic Operators to trade with each other was identified by the Organic Strategy Forum in 2022. This led to the development and launch of the Organic Trading Hub in September 2023. This includes the advertising of Organic Marts.
The doubling of numbers within Organic Farming since December 2022 and the revised Climate Action Plan target of 10% of all land farmed organically by 2030 made the delivery of this resource an important part of the support infrastructure for the sector. The aim is to expand the scope of the Hub to deliver a one-stop shop for all resources and supports available for organic farmers and food producers.
Earlier this year, I announced a €3 million call for projects to promote the develop of the Organic Sector over the period 2025-2027. The call looked for projects that would align with the EU action plan on organics. One of the successful projects is focusing on Organic Livestock, detailed as follows:
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Group
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Project name
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Funding 2025
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Funding 2026
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Funding 2027
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Organic Livestock Information Roadshow
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Information Roadshow to co-ordinate organic livestock supplies
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€12,000
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€12,000
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€12,000
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This is an annual series of events to share practical information on farming organically, opportunities to sell animals within the organic supply chain and demand for organic beef and sheep meat. These events will focus on connecting farmers with other farmers and providing clarity on organic market outlets to help address the leakage challenge.
