Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to briefly acknowledge the Cathaoirleach's role in these proceedings, as well as the contributions of our three sets of witnesses. They made really good presentations. There are one or two minor points on which I seek clarity. The presentation by the Agricultural Consultants Association was really well put together but I seek clarity on a point made in the final page. There is a reference to mandatory annual training for all farmers. I ask our guests to clarify where they are going with that. It is a really positive statement. According to the figures provided, there are approximately 55,000 farmers working with the ACA and a further 45,000 working with Teagasc but there are around 30,000 farmers who have no interaction with anybody. What is the ACA proposing in this regard? Is there a suggestion that there would be a limit in terms of the percentage of farmers involved or that all farmers would be mandated to get involved so that it would be an effective training programme for everybody in the system and not just the 13,000 directly involved in the nitrates action plan? I seek clarity on that.

My second question is for Mr. Carr, who also made a very impressive presentation. He spoke about an 18% reduction if we go down to 170 kg N/Ha which is a frightening figure. Realistically, the manufacturing side of the system is very concerned about the possible haemorrhaging that could take place in that space if we were to lose the volume being proposed. I am not exactly sure where an 18% reduction would leave us but I ask Mr. Carr to give us an indication of the carnage in the sector if we were to drop to 170 kg N/Ha.