Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the policy in place to assist pig farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37327/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The pig sector is an important part of Ireland's agricultural industry. It contributes 6% of gross agricultural output and exports of pork and bacon contribute €270 million to our export earnings. The current pigmeat market situation is satisfactory and the outlook for the sector over the next few years is positive.

The EU market support regime for the pig industry is very modest compared to some other sectors, with the result that pig producers are normally competing on world markets without financial supports. However, market support mechanisms in the form of export refunds and aids to private storage are still available and may be called into play by the EU in exceptionally difficult market situations.

The nitrates directive is the subject of most immediate concern for pig farmers. To assist farmers in meeting the requirements of the nitrates action programme, I have announced details of a proposed revised farm waste management scheme for which EU approval is now awaited.

The proposed new arrangements will see the extension of the farm waste management scheme to the pig sector for the first time. The scheme will introduce a standard grant-rate of 60%, with 70% being available for zone C counties, namely, Counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim and Monaghan, in place of the current grant-rate of 40%, with additional aid available for young farmers at rates of 10% in less-favoured areas and 5% in other areas. It will extend the maximum income unit ceiling for farmers from 450 to 650 income units, with no upper limit being applied in the case of pig and poultry farmers. It will also raise the maximum eligible investment from €75,000 to €120,000 and remove minimum income requirements from farming from the scheme so that all small farmers can benefit. A new 40% grant rate is proposed for specialised equipment with specific environmental advantages subject to maximum eligible investment of €80,000 in the case of decanter centrifuge systems and dry feeding systems for pigs and €40,000 in the case of specialised slurry spreading tankers and related equipment. The scheme will increase the maximum eligible investment for standard mobile equipment from €11,000 to €15,000, with the grant rate remaining at 20%.

I am satisfied that the proposed new scheme will provide a very satisfactory platform for Irish pig farmers who must carry out additional investment works to meet the requirements of the nitrates directive.

Teagasc's programme of activities includes a significant element of research in the area of pig nutrition, health and welfare. The main objectives of the advisory function in regard to the pig sector are better profitability and competitiveness based on improved growth rates and this is delivered to producers through farm visits, conferences and newsletters. In the context of the nitrates programme, I will ask Teagasc to undertake a promotion campaign to encourage the use of organic manure on farms in preference to chemical fertilisers.

The health status of the pig herd is vital to maintaining the good image of Irish pigmeat and ensuring access to all our export markets. To this end, my Department is working with the pig industry in the ongoing monitoring and control of a wide range of diseases such as Aujeszky's disease, salmonella and PRRS.

With regard to market access, it is my aim that Irish producers have access to as many markets as possible worldwide. Significant veterinary resources are assigned to the monitoring of pigmeat production in slaughtering and manufacturing plants in order to ensure food safety and to facilitate the certification of products for our many export destinations. Bord Bia has a programme to promote Irish pigmeat on foreign markets and my officials and I are continually engaged with the board for the purpose of identifying and developing these markets.