Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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707. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the current organic beef stocking rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2670/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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A minimum stocking level is considered important in organic production systems for effective grassland management, to ensure productive swards and to maintain and improve biodiversity. Livestock on the organic farm facilitates effective organic manure and nutrient recycling, thereby improving soil fertility and productivity.

The Organic Farming Scheme payment is computed on the basis of a minimum stocking rate of 0.5 Livestock Units per Hectare, which equates to 32.5 kg Organic Nitrate per hectare/per annum. Farmers with a stocking level of 0.5 livestock units or greater per hectare receive full payment. However, farmers not achieving this stocking level do receive payment on a pro-rata basis.

I have no plans currently to amend these stocking rates.

Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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708. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers with suckler cows who take all or some of their progeny to slaughter, excluding beef cows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2790/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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This information is being compiled and will be sent directly to the Deputy as soon as available.