Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

We cannot take it as read. I am aware of concerns that have been expressed about the impact on the future of the pig and poultry sectors. Many farmers will have to adapt to the requirements of the nitrates directive and there will certainly be implications for pig and poultry farmers in particular because most of them do not have enough land of their own to spread the manure they produce. I am satisfied, however, that the great majority of these operators will be able to adapt successfully. To the extent that they may need additional waste storage, I have put proposals to the European Commission under which pig and poultry farmers will be eligible for the first time for grants under the farm waste management scheme. Grants of up to 70% will be available. I am also proposing grant aid for specialised equipment with specific environmental advantages, such as decanter centrifuge systems and dry feeding systems for pigs.

As far as spreadlands are concerned, I am acutely conscious of the need for pig farmers in particular to continue to have access to enough land to spread slurry. I have asked Teagasc to undertake a very active promotion campaign to demonstrate to other farmers the nutrient value of pig slurry and the savings that farmers can achieve by substituting it for chemical fertiliser. I will be urging REPS planners to encourage their clients to use pig manure on their farms and I will be seeking to ensure that the record-keeping and inspection regimes are kept to what is strictly necessary. I want to get rid of the mistaken idea that farmers who take in pig or poultry manure are more likely to fall foul of various rules and regulations than those who use chemical fertiliser.

There is much that farmers can do to help one another, and I call on farm organisations to play their part by substituting imported organic fertilisers such as pig slurry. It is in the interests of other farming sectors that provide feed for pigs, such as the tillage sector, to assist the intensive pig producers by considering the use of manure on their crops. Pig producers also need to be proactive in identifying and encouraging suitable recipients to take and utilise their manure. By our combined efforts I believe we can all ensure the continuation of a viable pig and poultry sector.

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