Written answers

Tuesday, 6 February 2018

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Beef Industry

Photo of Tony McLoughlinTony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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491. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to protect and further the interests of the beef industry in CAP negotiations, particularly those relating to the suckler cow herd; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5938/18]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I am keenly aware of the importance of the suckler sector to Ireland's rural economy and the wider agrifood industry. The suckler sector is a vital component of Ireland’s rural economy and the provision of support for the suckler sector is critically important. 

The range of CAP supports currently provided by my Department represent a balance between direct income support (Basic Payment Scheme, Areas of Natural Constraint, Green Low Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme and investment support through TAMS) for the sector and rural development measures (Beef Data and Genomics Programme and Knowledge Transfer) designed to improve its competitiveness and sustainability.

In terms of a future CAP, the European Commission published its CAP Communication titled “The Future of Food and Farming” on 29 November 2017. The Communication proposes a simpler CAP, with a sharper focus on objectives and results, particularly in the environmental area. I welcome the commitment that Direct Payments should remain an essential part of CAP, as they provide an important safety net for family farms and ensure there is agricultural activity in all parts of the EU.

My Department is currently reviewing the Communication and has commenced a public consultation on CAP which runs from 26 January to 23 March 2018. As part of the consultation, I will, along with Minister of State Doyle, host and attend six public meetings throughout the country during February. It is important that all stakeholders with an interest in the CAP attend and make a submission before 23 March 2018. 

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