Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 280: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the meaning of EU Regulation 183 of 2005 as it applies to farmers who operate feed businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9594/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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EU Regulation 183/2005 lays down general rules on feed hygiene, the conditions and arrangements to ensure traceability of feed, and the conditions and arrangements for the registration and approval of all operators involved in the manufacture, haulage, storage or use of animal feed.

As required under the legislation my Department established a register in 2006 of all feed business operators, including farmers who feed livestock or grow crops which may be used to feed livestock. The legislation requires my Department, as the competent authority, to secure a declaration, two years after registration, from the operators indicating that they are in compliance with the hygiene requirements as set out in the legislation. Last November officials of my Department sent Guidance Notes and Declaration Forms to the 3,500 commercial feed business operators for completion and return by end December 2007. In January 2008 a Guidance Note was sent to all farmers reminding them of their obligations and informing them that the facility to make their declaration would be contained in the Single Payment Application form being issued in March.