Written Answers Nos. 770-789
770. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cattle exported from Ireland to third countries via other EU member states in each of the past five years; the destinations involved; and the measures in place to monitor animal welfare throughout these journeys. [36556/26]
View answerThe trade in and export of animals is a private commercial activity which is regulated by my Department in accordance with EU and National Regulations. Relevant EU and National Regulations for this sector include Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations, S.I. No. 675/2006 European Communities (Animal Transport and Control Post) Regulations 2006, S.I. No. 580/2007 - Diseases of Animals (Animal Transport) (Roll-On Roll-Off Vessels) Order 2007.
My Department is conscious of the need to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit and is satisfied that the systems in place in respect of the intra-community movement and extra-community movement of these animals are supportive of the welfare of the animals and in compliance with the relevant legislation. My Department continues to monitor and enforce compliance, to ensure the welfare of animals transported.
The information the Deputy has requested is detailed in the tables below. The information for these tables has been generated from the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) the European Commission's online platform for sanitary and phytosanitary certification.
EU Intra Exports to 3rd Countries via other EU Member States - Cattle 2021 - 2026*
|
Destination |
Years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Countries |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026* |
Total |
|
Albania |
|
|
|
438 |
135 |
|
573 |
|
Algeria |
|
|
13 |
73 |
|
|
86 |
|
Belarus |
|
|
|
76 |
|
|
76 |
|
Kazakhstan |
500 |
|
|
|
|
|
500 |
|
Kosovo |
43 |
66 |
34 |
61 |
58 |
|
262 |
|
Lebanon |
|
791 |
933 |
|
|
|
1,724 |
|
Libya |
|
|
311 |
842 |
117 |
|
1,270 |
|
Morocco |
|
111 |
30 |
1,236 |
120 |
|
1,497 |
|
Russian Federation |
244 |
|
|
|
|
|
244 |
|
Tunisia |
|
|
235 |
1,392 |
2,741 |
418 |
4,786 |
|
Türkiye |
|
100 |
446 |
|
|
|
546 |
|
United Arab Emirates |
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
19 |
|
Total |
787 |
1,068 |
2,002 |
4,118 |
3,190 |
418 |
11,583 |
EU Exports to 3rd Countries via Northern Ireland - Cattle 2021 - 2026*
|
Destination |
Years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Countries |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026* |
Total |
|
United Kingdom |
1 |
4 |
22 |
357 |
2 |
|
386 |
|
Total |
1 |
4 |
22 |
357 |
2 |
|
386 |
* year to date
772. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to detail, on a per county basis, from 2010 to 9 May 2026, the number of herd number applications for companies where his Department has requested an entirely new application due to a change in keeper details during the application process, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36672/26]
View answerThe herd number system underpins animal disease control measures, traceability obligations and the administration of farm support payments. Given the importance of the system to public health, food safety, and the integrity of national and EU schemes, my Department applies robust verification and assessment procedures when processing applications.
In recognition of the fact that applications for herd numbers can vary significantly in their factual and legal circumstances, there is variability in how individual herd number applications are assessed. Applications involving corporate entities, partnerships, shared farming arrangements or questions concerning keepers, land availability or herd ownership can all involve different processes including sometimes that a new application be submitted. My Department does not categorise herd numbers with reference to the precise procedures or verification steps employed during the assessment process and cannot provide the information requested.
773. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will examine the potential for supporting domestic reed harvesting for thatching, given that Ireland has abundant natural reed beds, yet thatchers are forced to import reed due to lack of capacity and support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36739/26]
View answerAs Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine I have no role with regard to the functioning of the market for the supply of reeds for thatching.
Given in certain parts of the country reed thatching is part of our built heritage, I suggest your question may be best addressed to the Heritage Council.
774. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide the year-on-year percentage increases in the average cost per tonne of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilisers in Ireland from 2021 to April 2026; the main drivers behind the renewed surge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36821/26]
View answerThe price of natural gas is a key component of fertiliser production and gas price has increased by around 50% since 1 March this year. Agriculture in the EU as a whole is vulnerable to shocks in the availability and price of fertiliser due to limited internal production capacity and a reliance on imports. Ireland does not produce fertilisers and therefore is exposed to market shifts.
The National Fertiliser Database (NFD) tracks sales by volume only of all types of fertiliser imported and sold in Ireland, as set down in legislation. There is no legislative requirement to monitor sales prices and my Department has no role in setting fertiliser prices.
The Agricultural Price Indices are published each month by the Central Statistics Office and measure trends in farm input costs. The CSO fertiliser price index is available at the following link: www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-api/agriculturalpriceindicesmarch2026/.[]
775. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated additional annual input cost burden placed on the average family farm arising from the recent fertiliser price increases; to provide a breakdown by farm type (dairy, beef, tillage, sheep); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36822/26]
View answerThe current situation in the Middle East is putting upward pressure on fertiliser prices. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) reports monthly on the Agricultural Input Price Index, which tracks the prices paid by farmers for purchases of goods and services. The latest data shows that fertiliser prices increased by 12% in the month of March 2026, which is an increase of 17.3% compared to March 2025.
However, Irish fertiliser importers engaged in advance buying of fertilisers in the last quarter of 2025, while many farmers also forward-purchased fertiliser. Therefore, the estimated additional cost on a full-year basis is anticipated to be lower than that implied by the current increased market prices.
The table below shows the latest results available on the average cost of fertiliser per farm represented in the Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS), for the year 2024, with dairy and tillage relatively higher than the overall average.
|
NFS 2024 |
Dairy |
Cattle Rearing |
Cattle Other |
Sheep |
Tillage |
Overall |
|
Average Fertiliser Costs per Farm (€) |
17,865 |
2,349 |
3,222 |
2,860 |
17,099 |
6,653 |
It is not currently possible to report the additional cost of recent price increases by farm type. This would vary at farm level and depend on many factors such as the extent to which fertiliser was purchased in advance of the conflict, whether improved-use efficiency measures are adopted, and whether the volume of fertiliser purchased reduces in response to higher prices.
My Department will continue to monitor the impact on input costs from the conflict in the Middle East, including the fertiliser market.
776. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether any emergency financial supports, rebates or targeted grants are being considered to offset the fertiliser cost pressures highlighted by witnesses (details supplied) at the Oireachtas Joint Committee meeting on 29 April 2026; to outline the timeline for any such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36823/26]
View answer780. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide the latest data on fertiliser price trends in Ireland compared with other EU member states and to outline any specific actions his Department is taking to prevent Irish farmers from being placed at a competitive disadvantage as a result of the price increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36827/26]
View answer783. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the Government's long-term strategy for stabilising and reducing fertiliser input costs for the Irish farming sector, including any plans for research into alternative nutrient sources or on-farm nutrient efficiency programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36830/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 776, 780 and 783 together.
My Department has no function in terms of fertiliser prices beyond the regulatory function of ensuring products placed on the market are in keeping with the fertiliser regulatory framework and that standards such as nutrient content etc. are as described. However I continue to monitor the market situation and engage with the fertiliser importers.
It should be noted that many farmers and other fertiliser users forward bought fertiliser earlier in the year. In addition, the Irish fertiliser industry purchased significant volumes of product in advance of the full introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Depending on the type of fertiliser, increases in fertiliser prices have varied, with the price of CAN estimated to have risen c.20% since the beginning of March 2026 whilst urea has increased by as much as 60%. Nitrogen fertiliser prices in the EU were running around 70% above the 2024 average by April 2026.
Teagasc has put together a comprehensive information pack for farmers and their advisors - through a compendium of 20 factsheets - to optimise the use of plant nutrients and to help farmers address the challenge of maintaining their farm outputs in the face of rising fertiliser costs and reduced availability.
These factsheets cover issues of soil testing, lime application, nitrogen usage, organic manures, fertiliser spreading and many other topics that will be useful for farmers. One of the clearest opportunities for reducing dependence on chemical manures is improved utilisation of organic manures with farmers having made great strides in recent years in this area. The improved use of organic manures has been greatly supported by generous grant aid under my Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) supporting additional storage and the use of low emission application technology which improves the utilisation of organic manures.
The general advice to farmers is to consult with their advisor as regards on-farm soil fertility and nutrient management plans, to decide on the most efficient input requirements for their farming enterprise and in turn their overall fertiliser requirements.
777. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to detail the current level of domestic fertiliser production capacity in Ireland and the steps being taken to reduce reliance on imported fertilisers in light of the volatility and price surges as raised in the Joint Committee debate of 29 April 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36824/26]
View answerWith the exception of lime, Ireland does not have any domestic production of fertiliser. The processing of fertiliser in Ireland relates to the blending of imported fertilisers in compositions that are suitable for particular soil types and locations and that are specific to the needs of a farmer or fertiliser user.
Ireland is a relatively small market in respect of fertiliser sales and usage compared to many of our EU neighbours.
Nitrogen fertiliser prices have increased across the EU and are running around 70% above the 2024 average by April 2026. Fertiliser prices have stabilised in recent weeks, and fertiliser continues to be imported.
My Department continues to engage with Irish fertiliser importers to monitor the fertiliser situation.
Teagasc have a comprehensive information pack for farmers and their advisors - through a compendium of 20 factsheets. These factsheets aim to reduce reliance of on farm chemical fertiliser through soil testing, lime application, nitrogen usage, organic manures, fertiliser spreading and many other topics that will be useful for farmers.
The general advice to farmers is to consult with their advisor as regards soil fertility and nutrient management plans, to decide on the most efficient input requirements for their farming enterprise and in turn their overall fertiliser requirements.
I await the publication of the EU Commission's Fertiliser Action Plan.
778. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the uptake figures for precision fertiliser application technology and low-emission slurry spreading equipment under existing schemes, and whether additional funding or incentives will be introduced to help farmers reduce fertiliser usage without compromising yields; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36825/26]
View answerThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grant aid to farmers to purchase fertiliser spreading equipment under a number of different measures:
• Tillage Capital Investment Scheme (TCIS) at a grant rate of 40%.
• Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS) at a grant rate of 60%;
• Women Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS) at a grant rate of 60%; and
• Organic Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (OCIS) t a grant rate of 60%.
The Lower Emissions Slurry Spreading Scheme (LESS) enables farmers to purchase new LESS equipment for the spreading of slurry at a grant rate of 60% with a dedicated ceiling of €40,000 per holding and €60,000 for registered farm partnerships.
In order to ensure that the available budget is distributed fairly over the remainder of the CSP programming period, it was necessary to limit the number of approved applications in recent tranches by applying ranking and selection criteria (RASS).
The table below provides a breakdown of the number of applications received, approved and paid in respect of LESS
|
Main Investments |
Applications Received |
Applications Approved |
Applications Paid |
|
Fertiliser Spreaders (TCIS, YFCIS, WFCIS, OCIS) |
1028 |
815 |
337 |
|
Mobile Slurry Tank with Attachment (LESS) |
4038 |
3337 |
1658 |
|
Umbilical System (LESS) |
192 |
149 |
51 |
|
Total |
5258 |
4301 |
2046 |
779. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has engaged with the European Commission on any flexibilities under the Nitrates Directive or other EU environmental rules that could ease fertiliser-related cost pressures on Irish farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36826/26]
View answerEnsuring availability and affordability of fertilisers is essential for European food security and economic stability.
At the AGRIFISH Council in March, I welcomed the recent amendment to the Nitrates Directive which is an environmentally sustainable initiative which seeks to offset the rising costs of fertiliser. This will allow Recovered Nitrogen from manure (RENURE) products to be considered against a farmer’s chemical nitrogen allowance rather than their organic nitrogen allowance. However, this amendment is limited to just three of the four manure processing techniques deemed suitable by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) to create RENURE products. Therefore, as the Commission’s evaluation of the Nitrates Directive is still on-going, I have encouraged the Commission to use this opportunity to further amend the Nitrates Directive to allow for all forms of RENURE deemed equivalent by the JRC.
Rather than being limited to specific technologies, the Nitrates Directive should also provide for new technologies that may emerge, provided the end products meet specific criteria.
The geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East also continues to put pressure on fertiliser prices and will likely affect availability as the year progresses. From an Irish perspective, our fertiliser industry continues to rely on imported product and, accordingly, as a critical input cost, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) risks seriously increasing fertiliser costs even further. Therefore, I support the objective of a mechanism to temporarily suspend CBAM which risks the addition of a further layer of fertiliser cost inflation, and for this to be done in the most expeditious manner possible.
Finally, I also look forward to the publication of the Fertiliser Action Plan, and will continue to engage with the Commission through its implementation to ensure that the challenges and concerns in relation to fertiliser supply are addressed.
781. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific supports available, or that will be made available, to smaller family farms and hill/sheep farmers who face disproportionate impacts from rising fertiliser costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36828/26]
View answer
The current situation in the Middle East is putting upward pressure on fertiliser prices. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) reports monthly on the Agricultural Input Price Index, which tracks the prices paid by farmers for purchases of goods and services. The latest data shows that fertiliser prices increased by 12% in the month of March 2026, which is an increase of 17.3% compared to March 2025.
However, Irish fertiliser importers engaged in advance buying of fertilisers in the last quarter of 2025, while many farmers also forward-purchased fertiliser. Therefore, the estimated additional cost on a full-year basis is anticipated to be lower than that implied by the current increased market prices.
The table below shows the latest results available on the average cost of fertiliser per farm represented in the Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS), for the year 2024, with sheep relatively lower than the overall average.
|
NFS 2024 |
Dairy |
Cattle Rearing |
Cattle Other |
Sheep |
Tillage |
Overall |
|
Average Fertiliser Costs per Farm (€) |
17,865 |
2,349 |
3,222 |
2,860 |
17,099 |
6,653 |
It is not currently possible to report the additional cost of recent price increases by farm type. This would vary at farm level and depend on many factors such as the extent to which fertiliser was purchased in advance of the conflict, whether improved-use efficiency measures are adopted, and whether the volume of fertiliser purchased reduces in response to higher prices.
In Budget 2026, I secured an allocation of €131m for the livestock sector, which will ensure the continuation of existing dedicated supports, including those worth €42m to sheep farmers in 2026.
In addition, there are many other multi-annual schemes available under the current CSP, which is worth €9.8 billion to farmers and rural communities between 2023 and 2027. These include basic income payments as well as agri-environment, investment and organic farming schemes, which are particularly significant for sheep farmer incomes.
The recent announcement of a comprehensive €100m Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs should help to mitigate short-term impacts in those sectors.
The EU Action Plan on Fertiliser will be published this week. My Department will continue to monitor the impact on input costs from the conflict in the Middle East, including the fertiliser market.
782. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department will commission or publish an independent assessment of the cumulative effect of fertiliser price volatility on overall farm incomes and on the viability of contracting services, as highlighted by an organisation (details supplied) at the Oireachtas Joint Committee meeting of 29 April 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36829/26]
View answerAgriculture in Ireland and the EU is vulnerable to shocks in the availability and price of inputs, in particular fertilisers and fuel, due to limited internal production capacity and a reliance on imports. While Ireland has limited direct trade with the Middle East region for agricultural inputs, there is a risk of exposure to disruption in international supply chains and consequent pressure on fertiliser prices and other inputs.
My Department monitors trends in agricultural inputs and outputs. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) reports monthly on the Agricultural Output Price Index, which tracks the prices paid to farmers for their produce, and the Agricultural Input Price Index, which tracks the prices paid by farmers for purchases of goods and services. The latest data up to March 2026 captures the initial impact of the events in the Middle East, with the input price index rising 4.9% as compared to February. There were significant increases in the month in the price indices for fertilisers (12%) and motor fuel (35.2%).
The Government recognises the exceptional pressure that rising fuel costs are placing on our farmers, contractors, and fishers, and a substantial support package has been put in place following close contact with representative bodies in recent weeks (including the named organisation). It includes the full removal of all non-carbon excise on green diesel of 7.4 cents per litre, and a further payment equivalent to 20 cents per litre through an income support scheme. These supports, totalling 27.5 cents per litre, exceed by almost 6 cents the entirety of excise (carbon and non-carbon) charged on green diesel prior to the conflict in the Middle East. The Fuel Income Support Scheme opened for applications from farmers and agricultural contractors on 6th May and remains open until 27th May.
The CSO reports these costs on a monthly basis and my Department will continue to monitor these costs and their effects on farm income and viability.
784. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will provide the necessary funding to increase the number of specialist food detection dogs to be deployed at ports and airports nationwide. [36836/26]
View answerMy Department continuously reviews its various arrangements regarding import control checks, of which the use of food detector dogs is one important element. Extensive manual checks and scanning equipment are also used at ports and airports to monitor for illegal imports of food products. There are currently no plans to expand the food detector dog service. My Department provides funding on an ongoing annual basis for this service.
785. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department plans to post an agricultural attaché to the Irish Embassy in Rome. [36899/26]
View answerMy Department has an agricultural attaché based in the Irish Embassy in Rome.
Along with their normal attaché duties, a large element of the work of the Rome Attaché relates to the service of members of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme, which are based in Rome, and in respect of which my Department leads for the Irish Government.
The roles of the overseas diplomatic team are continuously reviewed in line with the strategic priorities for my Department.
786. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to address the plight of Irelands only native honey bee apis mellifera mellifera which is endangered due to the importation of more dominant non-native species of bees, and the loss of habitat; if there is a specific source of funding which would help establish areas with more robust protection and larger colonies which would sustain the increase of the Irish black bee population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36910/26]
View answerTrade in bees is permitted and governed by EU law. EU Animal Health Regulations set down rules for entry of bees into and movement within the EU. These EU Regulations contain specific provisions to safeguard the health of bees located in the territory of the Union.
My Department is very supportive of beekeepers and beekeeping associations in their efforts in the conservation of the native Irish honey bee. The Annual Grants to Irish National Beekeepers Federations which is Exchequer funded provides funding to the four Irish National Beekeepers Federations. In 2025, the four national beekeeping federations received a total of €25,500 through this measure for initiatives, including the conservation of the native Irish honey bee.
My Department also provides funding under the Conservation of Plant and Animal Genetic Resources Scheme. The Native Irish Honey Bee Society received funding in 2021 and 2024 under this scheme for projects related to the conservation of the native Irish honey bee and their application under the 2026 Scheme has also been approved.
My Department also supports Irish beekeeping through the provision of grant aid for capital investments by individual beekeepers in specialised beekeeping related equipment and structures including specialised bee breeding equipment. In addition, €121,000 was paid out under the National Apiculture Programme in 2025 to support beekeeping through an approved applied research project.
787. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific safeguards in place to prevent corporate entities or non-active farmers from acquiring agricultural land, obtaining a single basic income support for sustainability (BISS) payment and then qualifying for the 20-year afforestation premium under the revised farmer definition introduced in the mid-term review of the 2023-2027 Forestry Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36926/26]
View answer789. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department is taking to protect young farmers and those entering or inheriting farms from increased land speculation and competition arising from the 20-year premium incentive now available to any applicant who meets the new one-year BISS active farmer check; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36928/26]
View answer791. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the new active farmer definition for 20-year afforestation premiums fully aligns with the requirements of the basic income support for sustainability (BISS) scheme and will not inadvertently disadvantage part-time, transitional or smaller-scale family farms that have historically supported rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36930/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 787, 789 and 791 together.
The Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 examined areas for possible improvement, such as the removal of barriers to afforestation uptake. One of the items raised related to the Farmer differential (the number of years in receipt of premiums) which is set at 20 years for farmers and 15 years for non-farmers.
Feedback received from stakeholders during this process indicated that flexibility should be introduced in the farmer definition to reduce the administrative burden on farm families. Following the MTR, a simplified definition is now in place for the remainder of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027.
It requires an applicant to pass my Department’s “Active Farmer check” and to have received a valid payment under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) scheme prior to the completion of planting. It removes the previous requirement for applicants to be a member of BISS in each of the four years immediately prior to planting.
The active farmer check itself remains the same as that used by my Department prior to the MTR. This refers to the active farmer check required for Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS). This check ensures the beneficiary is actively farming prior to entry into the Afforestation Scheme.
There are different ways that an applicant can satisfy the “active farmer check” which are defined in section 10 of the BISS 2026 terms and conditions.
Rather than being a disadvantage, I am confident that the removal of the four-year BISS requirement will help to reduce barriers for genuine farmers and new entrant farmers to engage in forestry, whilst keeping a protective mechanism in place to ensure that the farmer differential is targeted appropriately.
788. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of afforestation licence applications and actual plantings approved to date in 2025 and 2026, broken down by genuine farmers and non-farmers/corporate applicants under the new simplified farmer definition; the percentage of approved hectares that have proceeded to planting in each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36927/26]
View answerIn 2025, 80% of the area included in applications for afforestation were made by farmers and 20% by non-farmers. In 2026 to date, 78% of the area included in applications have been made by farmers and 22% by non-farmers. Some applications may be subsequently withdrawn during the assessment process.
It is important to note that farmer status is fully verified at the First Grant (Planting Paid) stage of the contract. The category “other applicants” includes both individual land owners and also corporate entities.
The tables below provide a breakdown of applications, planting approved and planting paid by farmer/other applicant for 2025 and up to the 30th April 2026.
Applications
|
Year |
Total |
Farmer |
Other applicant |
|
2025 |
442 (3,672 Ha) |
331 (77%) (2,824 Ha) |
111 (23%) (848 Ha) |
|
2026 |
139 (1,133 Ha) |
103 (78%) (887 Ha) |
36 (22%) (246 Ha) |
Planting approved
|
Year |
Total |
Farmer |
Other applicant |
|
2025 |
406 (3,248 Ha) |
321 (82%) (2,663) |
85 (18%) (585 Ha) |
|
2026 |
168 (1,372 Ha) |
121 (75%) (1,027 Ha) |
47 (25%) ( 345 Ha) |
Planting paid
|
Year |
Total |
Farmer |
Other Applicant |
|
2025 |
2,527 Ha |
1,172 Ha (46%) |
1,355 Ha (54%) |
|
2026 |
438 Ha |
220 Ha (50%) |
218 Ha (50%) |
My Department has not yet received any applications for payment from the applications received since the very recent introduction of the new farmer definition.
However, feedback received from stakeholders during the Mid-Term Review process, farm organisation in particular, indicated that more flexibility should be introduced in the current farmer definition within the Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 to reduce the administrative burden on farmers and reduce barriers for succession.
I believe that this simplified 'farmer' definition and the removal of the four-year requirement for BISS will help to lessen the administrative burden on farm families.
