Livestock Issues

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Ceisteanna (905)

William Aird

Ceist:

905. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has considered proposals to recognise native honey bee hives as livestock units under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), including the suggestion that one hive of native Irish honey bees would constitute one livestock unit, with the first four units eligible for €500 per livestock unit and subsequent units for €250 each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35254/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Changes to the CAP Regulation last year under Regulation (EU) 2025/2649 introduced the possibility for payments under the CAP to be granted in the form of annual payments for beehives in certain, limited, situations.

Specifically, it provides for farmers entering commitments to improve farming practices related to apiculture, as well as organic farmers involved in the production of organic honey. In both cases, this was intended to make easier the payment for such practices where they were already taking place under the CAP, for Member States that implemented actions in Eco-schemes or organic interventions for apiculture.

There are currently no such commitments related to apiculture supported under the Irish CAP Strategic Plan and the funding for the Plan is fully committed.