Written Answers Nos. 2661-2680
2661. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to ensure that farmers participating in ACRES in County Galway receive any outstanding payments without further delay; the number of participants awaiting payment in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59097/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme, or ACRES, is the flagship environmental scheme provided under the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan, with €1.5 billion in Exchequer and EU funding allocated over the course of the scheme. Over €787m has issued in core payments since the commencement of the scheme.
My Department has fully paid almost 100% of all participants in ACRES in respect of their participation in the Scheme in relation to 2023 and 2024, while over 97% of the participants are now also fully paid up to date in respect of 2025. Payments have not issued in respect of some of the remaining contracts as the legalities following death of the contract holder have not been finalised to date, while delays in other cases may be due to non-receipt of documentation that is required for the calculation of the payment.
Currently in County Galway there are 192 scheme participants awaiting payment. Of these, 35 relate to the 2024 scheme year, while the remaining 157 pertain to 2025.
I would like to assure the Deputy that payments will continue to issue on a regular basis as cases pass the required validation checks.
2663. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether additional financial supports for tillage farmers affected by recent extreme weather events are being considered as part of Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59099/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government recognises the importance of the tillage sector, the challenges it currently faces, and the need to support its sustainable development.
My Department is providing at least €50 million in support to the tillage sector in 2026 through the Protein Aid Scheme, the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) and the National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme.
This includes €30 million in new funding secured in Budget 2026 for the National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme, with payments under the Scheme issued in March.
More recently, in response to the exceptional pressure arising from the sudden increase in the cost of Marked Gas Oil (MGO), the Government allocated additional finance to provide meaningful income support for farmers, contractors and fishers.
Again this year, I have committed to accepting all applicants into the Straw Incorporation Measure to give tillage farmers a further economic boost. There is however flexibility for farmers to withdraw from the scheme in certain circumstances, for example where straw is required for livestock, to safeguard supply across all sectors.
The Farming for Water EIP has a budget of €60 million to support targeted on-farm additional measures to improve water quality, including establishment of cover crops. The tillage sector is also being supported under other schemes, including the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme, ACRES and the Organic Farming Scheme.
I will continue to work with the tillage sector and provide targeted support in line with budgetary allocations given the importance of the sector within the wider agricultural industry. In advance of Budget 2027, I will be engaging with agri-food stakeholders, and all pre-Budget submissions will be taken into consideration in developing proposals for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on expenditure.
2664. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the recent engagements he and his Department have had with the EU regarding the nitrates derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59142/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has ongoing engagement with the Commission regarding the Nitrates derogation including engagements recently with both Commissioner Roswall and Commission officials and other stakeholders.
Arising from evolving case law, Ireland is required to conduct more detailed environmental assessments by the end of 2028 in respect of derogation applicants. This is a significant part of the additional conditionality outlined in the European Commission's Implementing Decision granting Ireland's current nitrates derogation.
I am fully committed to delivering those assessments on time and in doing so continuing the engagement with both the European Commission and wider stakeholders as has taken place over recent weeks.
During her visit to Ireland in June, I met with the European Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall. During that meeting I provided an update on the environmental assessment process that Ireland is operationalising regarding the derogation as well as the challenges this presents given that we are dealing with complex biological systems, subject to many variables, and a complex regulatory background. This resulted in a very constructive engagement.
Furthermore, my Department, together with colleagues from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, held a bilateral meeting with the Commission Services in mid-June. This meeting facilitated an update and scientific discussion on the methodology proposed for the environmental assessments, in particular pursuant to the Habitats Directive.
Since then, on 30 June, my officials submitted the Nitrates Derogation Report for 2025 to the Commission as required under the nitrates derogation granted in 2022. A further meeting with the European Commission is planned for the autumn.
During June and July, at home here in Ireland there have also been a number of stakeholder meetings facilitated by my Department.
As we progress through the Nitrates Derogation Environmental Assessments, I will ensure communication and transparency, for all stakeholders, both at home and at a European level remain key elements of my Department's approach.
2665. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the recent engagements he and his department have had with the EU regarding possible changes to CAP payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59143/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe overall budget for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 will form part of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which is negotiated at EU level by Finance Ministers and, ultimately, agreed by Heads of State and Government. In Ireland, the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs lead on these negotiations, in close consultation with my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach.
In parallel, my Department is actively engaged in negotiations on the European Commission's legislative proposals for the CAP post-2027. These proposals, including those relating to the future architecture of CAP payments, are being discussed at official level in the Council's preparatory bodies and at meetings of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers. As Minister, I have also engaged regularly with my counterparts in other Member States and with the European Commission on these issues.
I have previously expressed my concerns at meetings of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council regarding the proposed reduction in the CAP budget compared with the 2021-2027 period, and have emphasised that the future CAP must be adequately funded to support viable farm incomes, food security, generational renewal, environmental sustainability and vibrant rural communities.
With Ireland now holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we are acting as an honest broker to facilitate discussions on both the CAP legislative proposals and the future financing of the CAP, taking account of the views of all Member States as we work to build consensus.
Over the coming months, I will continue to work closely with my Government colleagues and to engage constructively with Member State counterparts and the European Commission to help secure an outcome that reflects the strategic importance of agriculture and the sector's contribution to Europe's food security, environmental sustainability and long-term resilience.
2666. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the recent engagements he and his department have had on formulating an extreme weather event financial scheme for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59144/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of supports and advisory notices regarding prolonged spells of extreme weather. During the recent very hot weather, these have included advisory notices on fire risk, farm safety and advice on animal welfare. In particular, farmers have been reminded to make sure their animals have access to water and shade, minimising transport if possible and monitoring carefully for heat stress. In addition, farmers themselves should also take care when working outdoors in hot weather, particularly taking appropriate action regarding skin care, hydration and when working with farm machinery.
My Department provides a wide range of support schemes for farmers, which act as a fundamental hedge against farm income volatility.
2667. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to resource the Agricultural Appeals Review Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59145/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agriculture Appeals (Amendment) Act 2024, provides for the establishment of an independent 'Agriculture Appeals Review Panel' to conduct reviews of decisions of Appeals Officers based on errors of fact and/or law. This function is currently carried out by the Director of Agriculture Appeals in accordance with Section 10 of the Agriculture Appeals Act 2001.
The 2024 Act provides that the panel will comprise one Chairperson, five ordinary members (at least two with practical knowledge and experience of farming) and the Director/Deputy Director of the Appeals Office. I am also required to ensure an equitable balance between men and women in the composition of the Board as set out in the Act.
My Department is in the process of finalising Regulations to supplement the 2024 Act. In parallel, my Department are engaging with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) in order to select and appoint a Chairperson and members, taking into account all of the factors set out in the Act.
Administrative support will be provided by the independent Agriculture Appeals Office.
2668. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to streamline the ACRES scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59146/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme, or ACRES, is the current national agri-environment climate measure provided under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. All aspects of ACRES have now been implemented, including the annual assessment and scoring of lands, the issuing of annual core payments, the implementation of the Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) and Landscape Actions elements of the ACRES Co-operation approach, and the provision of dedicated ACRES Training courses. Over €796 million has issued to participants since the commencement of the Scheme in 2023, comprising of over €787 million in core payments and €9 million in respect of the implementation of approved NPIs.
ACRES is an approved measure part of Ireland’s CSP, is fully subscribed with contracts currently in place, and participants are fulfilling their commitments under those contracts. Given that we are more than half way through the current CSP programme period, I have no plans to amend the Scheme.
It is currently proposed, in the draft regulations for the Common Agricultural Policy post 2027, that Member States shall provide support to farmers in certain environmental and climate priority areas. Insights and experiences gained from the implementation of ACRES will inform the design of schemes to provide support for undertaking agri-environmental and climate actions in the next CAP programming period.
2669. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress being made to find suitable replacements for potato desiccants such as a product (details supplied); the results to date as to their effectiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59147/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlternative products, containing the EU-approved active substances carfentrazone-ethyl or pyraflufen-ethyl, are currently authorised in Ireland by my Department for use as potato crop desiccants.
These products can be used effectively in many cases as part of an integrated pest management approach including mechanical topping of the crop prior to desiccation to reduce the amount of haulm to be desiccated. In line with this approach, my Department provides support for haulm toppers under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS).
Teagasc is continuing its efforts to promote and facilitate desiccation of potato haulms without the use of diquat through a broad range of actions, including research and extensive engagement with growers and the wider industry.
Good progress is being made by growers in implementing alternative approaches and my Department will continue to support these efforts, in conjunction with Teagasc.
2670. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of CAP, ACRES, TAMS and other farm support payments made in each county in each of the past ten years; and if he will provide the information, in tabular form. [59271/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of supports for farmers across the country. The attached file gives a breakdown per county of financial supports provided by my department for the years requested. Note that these figures do not include the value of non-financial supports provided by my Department.
2671. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number and value of projects approved by Bord Iascaigh Mhara in each coastal county in each of the past ten years, broken down by programme; and if he will provide the information, in tabular form. [59272/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Seafood Development Programme 2021-2027, Bord Iascaigh Mhara implement a multitude of schemes to support seafood, aquaculture and coastal community development projects. As the request relates to data covering a ten year span, I have referred the Deputy's requests to Bord Iascaigh Mhara for attention and direct reply.
2672. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the current marking scheme applied under the TAMS grant for solar panels, particularly the criterion relating to age, whereby applicants under 40 receive 20 marks; and if she will address the disadvantage experienced by farmers over 40 who are losing out under the present marking system on the basis of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59303/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTAMS is a demand-led scheme with a defined budgetary allocation. TAMS 3 has been hugely successful to date, with payments of over €178 million issuing to farmers since payments commenced in June 2023. The number of applications under the Solar Capital Investment Scheme, have far exceeded expectations, to the extent that more than 20% (€36.4 million) of the TAMS budget is being spent on SCIS.
In order to ensure that the available budget is distributed fairly over the remainder of the CAP strategic plan which runs until the end of 2027, it was necessary to limit the number of approved applications from the most recent tranches by applying ranking and selection (RASS) criteria.
The challenge of generational renewal is widely recognised at both a national and EU level. The Programme for Government prioritises supporting inter-generational farm succession. Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, states that generational renewal in farming is critically important to ensure the future viability and social sustainability of the Irish agri-food sector and of rural Ireland.
On that basis, I am satisfied that the ranking and selection criteria in its current format which does apply additional marks for young farmers, including in respect of the Solar Capital Investment Scheme contributes to generational renewal on Irish farms.
2673. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a breakdown of the financial supports provided in 2024, 2025 and 2026 to date for the horticultural sector, by scheme; and the number of growers supported in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59375/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Horticulture sector is the fifth largest sector in agriculture and plays a crucial role in supporting the economy. The farm gate value of the sector in 2025 was €652 million with an estimated 18,000 jobs at both primary and value-added levels.
The National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 sets down a clear vision to grow a more profitable, value-added sector, driven by innovation and sustainability and provides a road map for the sector to achieve this potential. The Government provides significant support to deliver on the implementation of this Strategy for the sector, through a range of supports and initiatives underpinning its resilience, competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
The tables below set out the amounts paid and the number of growers and Producer Organisations supported under the various financial supports available to horticulture growers. 2026 details reflect payments to date and not budget allocations.
2674. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide the level of financial support by his Department for the organic farming scheme in each year since 2020; and the number of farmers, and hectares, respectively, supported in each year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59376/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below provides the information requested for the period 2020-2025.
2675. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the supports available to horticulture growers under the CAP Strategic Plan; to provide a breakdown for the last five years (2021 to 2025), and 2026 to date, of the amount that was provided to horticultural producers under the producer organisation scheme for fruit and vegetables in each year; the number of applicants; and the number that were successful, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59377/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupports Available to Horticulture Growers under CAP Strategic Plan
- Basic Income Support for Sustainability
The Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme replaced the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). Payment is linked to the number of hectares farmed that qualify for the scheme.
- Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CIS-YF)
The Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (www.gov.ie/en/service/38d46-complementary-income-support-for-young-farmers/) is a payment made to farmers under the age of 40 who are educated in agriculture/horticulture to help them succeed in farming.
- Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS)
Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) is a scheme that is often referred to as “front loading”. CRISS is paid to all active farmers on their first 30 hectares.
- Eco Scheme
The Eco-Scheme aims to reward farmers, from all farming sectors and from different levels of intensity, for undertaking actions that are beneficial to the climate, environment, water quality and biodiversity.
- National Reserve (Young Farmer Category) & National Reserve (New Farmer Category)
The scheme provides income support to young farmers setting up farms. To qualify the young farmer must have a recognised course of education in agriculture/horticulture achieving an award at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
- Sectoral Intervention in the Fruit and Vegetables Sector
The Fruit and Vegetable PO Scheme (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/eu-aid-for-fruit-and-vegetable-producers/) provides EU aid to recognised Producer Organisations operating in fruit and vegetables (excluding potatoes) sector. It aims to improve the bargaining power of producers by becoming part of a larger supply base and improve the sustainability of fruit and vegetables production.
- TAMS
TAMS are a set of schemes which help farmers get supports to build and improve farm buildings and equipment.
- ACRES
ACRES is Ireland's agri-environment climate scheme under Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan. The scheme is a farmer-friendly scheme to help address biodiversity decline while delivering an income support for farm families in Ireland.
- Collaborative Farming Grant
This grant scheme (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/collaborative-farming-grant-scheme/) provides financial support aimed at covering part of the legal, advisory and financial services costs of setting up a Registered Farm Partnership.
- Early Stage Support for Producer Organisations Scheme
It aims to support groups of producers to form recognised Producer Organisations across the following seven sectors – beef, sheep, milk, potato, tillage, plant amenity, fruit and vegetables. The scheme (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/early-stage-support-for-producer-organisations-scheme/) is designed to support producer organisations in forming and developing their collective bargaining power.
- Organic Farming Scheme
The Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) (www.citizensinformation.ie/en/environment/land/organic-farming-scheme/) provides financial support to farmers to encourage them to produce organic food and aims to reduce the environmental impact of farming.
- European Innovation Partnership Scheme
The scheme funds projects that allow farmers, scientists and other experts to collaborate together to develop new practices that are environmentally friendly and economically sustainable.
Attached table with breakdown for the last five years (2021 to 2025), and 2026 to date, of the amount that was provided to horticultural producers under the Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables in each year; the number of applicants that were successful.
In addition, my Department administers further financial supports via the NDP Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector and NDP Scheme of Investment Aid for Innovation & Diversification in Horticulture (Capital Investments) to assist growers make important on-farm capital investments to support their competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
The horticulture sector is an important component of our economy and makes a valuable contribution to food production, employment and the wider rural economy. My Department remains committed to supporting the development, competitiveness and long-term sustainability of the Irish Horticulture sector by administering the range of schemes and supports as outlined above.
2676. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline for each year from 2020 to date, the number of growers paid under the CAP basic income support for sustainability scheme that were involved in just the production of tillage, horticulture, fruit or other plant crops, and not livestock; the number of hectares covered by this; to provide a breakdown of the land activity type; and the percentage of each of the total eligible hectares that was under the BISS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59378/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2678. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports currently in place for tillage and protein crop production; the number of farmers qualified in each year from 2024 to 2026 respectively; the estimated cost in 2027 of doubling the level of financial assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59380/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2676 and 2678 together.
The tillage sector is a critical part of agriculture in Ireland. My Department has a number of schemes specifically designed to support the tillage sector, including the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) and Protein Aid.
The specific data that the Deputy has requested relating to tillage farming is not available at present. I have requested that this information be collated and will be provided to the Deputy in the near future.
2677. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost in 2027 of restoring the horticultural exceptional payment scheme and extending it for soft fruit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59379/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Horticulture Exceptional Payment Scheme (HEPS) was a support measure introduced in 2022 that provided €2.8m in support to horticultural growers. The support was provided in the form of a once-off payment to growers in the horticulture sub-sectors most affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The subsectors included commercial growers in the glasshouse high-wire crops, field vegetable, mushroom and apple sectors who were demonstrably impacted by high energy costs as a result of the conflict. The provision of financial support for the sector in contingent on meeting state aid rules.
It is estimated that the cost of a HEPS type scheme in 2027, including support for soft fruit growers would cost in the region of €3.5-€4 m.
In recent years my Department has demonstrated agility in supporting Irish horticultural growers when exceptional circumstances have arisen which negatively impacted the sector.
In 2023 the Horticulture Crisis Fund (HCF) was launched and provided support of €2.38 million to the sector in 2024 as an emergency support for specific problems impacting the economic viability of horticulture growers.
In 2025, my Department announced a targeted reopening of the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector to deal with horticultural growers proposing investments in response to the damage caused by Storm Éowyn.
In June of this year, my Department launched the Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture (FSSSH). The Scheme will provide a once off payment to support specialist monocrop horticulture growers that are most affected by unprecedented increases in fuel costs. Crops that were eligible for consideration under the FSSSH included monocrops of glasshouse high-wire crops (tomatoes, cucumbers), mushrooms, heated strawberries (glasshouses only), hydroponically grown lettuce crops (glasshouses only), herbs and chillies (Glasshouses only).
2679. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the 100 non-governmental organisations that received the highest levels of public funding in the most recent year for which figures are available; the amount received by each organisation; and the Department, agency or public body from which the funding originated. [59487/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2680. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of Exchequer funding, grants and other public monies provided directly or indirectly to non-governmental organisations headquartered outside the State in each year from 2020 to date; and if he will provide a list of each organisation, its country of registration and the amounts paid. [59505/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2681. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of Exchequer funding, grants, service-level agreement funding and other public monies provided to non-governmental organisations in each year from 2020 to date; and if he will provide a list of the recipient organisations; and the amount paid to each organisation in each year. [59522/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2679 to 2681, inclusive, together.
It is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy in the required time. My Department will revert with a response as soon as the information is available.
