Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the foundational importance of agriculture in our society. Agriculture is not merely an industry; it is the backbone of the economy and provides sustenance and livelihoods to millions across our nation. Our farmers, often the unsung heroes, toil day and night to feed our burgeoning population and contribute significantly to our GDP.

The agrifood sector is our oldest and largest indigenous exporting sector and its products are traded from every county in Ireland to more than 180 countries around the globe. However, according to the CSO's Output, Input and Income in Agriculture - Preliminary Estimate 2023, the value of agricultural output at basic prices is estimated to have decreased by €1.7 billion or 13.5% to €11.2 billion in 2023. Intermediate consumption costs are estimated to have decreased by €383 million, or 4.8%. Operating surplus, the aggregate farm income, is estimated to have decreased by 36% to €3 billion in 2023. The agrifood sector has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including the challenges posed by Brexit, Covid-19 and war. Therefore, agriculture schemes and direct payments contribute significantly to the typical farm income in Ireland. For some sectors, these payments provide the majority share of the income for the agribusiness.

According to the Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, Food and the Marine 2023:

During the calendar year 2022, Irish farmers received around €2.02 billion in direct payments. The largest payment was the basic farm payment or BPS, which accounts for around €810 million.

The funding provided last year was exceptional and was based on the fact that prices, particularly of fertiliser and diesel, were exceptionally high as a result of what was happening in international markets. However, there has also been adverse weather, which has affected livestock which required the Government to support farmers in times of need by means of significant investment. The Agriculture Appeals (Amendment) Bill 2024, builds upon existing frameworks to streamline the appeals process for farmers, ensuring that their grievances are addressed swiftly and fairly.

A report entitled Review of the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001 and operations of the agriculture appeals office highlighted inconsistencies and difficulties in assessments across all scheme types. The report also highlighted a perceived bias and a lack of significant independence of the agriculture appeals office from the Department, and the absence of definitive timeframes and deadlines for appeals and decisions, resulting in some cases extending over many months. Therefore, in order to strengthen the independence of the agriculture appeals process, this Bill allows for the establishment of a new independent statutory body to be known as the agriculture appeals review panel. If an appellant is not satisfied with the decision of an appeals officer, he or she will now be able to seek to have the panel review the decision.

By expediting the resolution of disputes and appeals, this Bill aims to reduce the burden on our farmers, who often face prolonged delays in seeking redress. This is evidenced by the significant number of cases that are revised, either in full or partially, by the Department during the appeals process. Furthermore, to ensure transparency, the panel will approve the appeals office’s code of practice and monitor its performance measures in processing cases where the Department would report annually, on a regional basis, to the review panel on the length of time taken to respond to requests from the appeals office for information and files and would also report summarised details of the decisions made on internal reviews by the Department.

Critically, this Bill underscores our commitment to inclusive growth and social justice. By ensuring that the voices of marginalised farmers are heard and their rights protected, we uphold the principles of equity and fairness. This Bill empowers farmers, particularly small farm holders and women farmers, by providing them with the tools and mechanisms to assert their rights and access the resources they need to thrive. Let us consider the economic implications of this legislation. By fostering a more transparent and equitable appeals process, we create an environment conducive to investment and innovation in agriculture. This, in turn, catalyses rural development, creates employment opportunities and contributes to overall economic growth. The ripple effects of a robust agricultural sector extend far beyond the farm gate, touching every facet of our economy. If we want to progress in implementing Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agrifood sector, we need to invest in our farmers and support them as best we can. Overall, it is clear that this legislation is a step in the right direction. Much more can and must be done for farmers. This legislation represents not just a legal adjustment but a profound shift in how we support and empower our farmers, protect our environment and sustain our food security for future generations.

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