Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she will establish an advisory service for farmers to facilitate the implementation of cross compliance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8800/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme provide that Member States shall set up a system of advising farmers on land and farm management to be known as the farm advisory system. The system is to be operated by one or more designated authorities or by private bodies. The advisory activity must cover at least the Statutory Management Requirements and Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition associated with cross-compliance. The Regulations also provides that farmers may participate in the system on a voluntary basis but that Member States shall give priority to farmers who receive more than €15,000 of direct payments each year.

The position in Ireland is that Teagasc already provides an advisory service for farmers. In addition there are a number of private consultancies and REPS planners who also provide advice to farmers. My Department is currently arranging specific cross-compliance-related training for Teagasc and private planners in the context of the farm advisory system requirement.