Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

226. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if each agricultural planner can only submit ten applications for farmers under the proposed agri-environmental pilot project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21035/21]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

227. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it will be ensured that measures for the results-based payments under the proposed agri-environmental pilot project will not be weather dependent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21036/21]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

229. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the proposed agri-environmental pilot project is primarily replacing income forgone by farmers; if farmers will have to pay for training under the project; the reason the maximum payments, even with such strict eligibility criteria, have been set so low; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21038/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 226, 227 and 229 together.

The Programme for Government commits to rewarding farmers for adapting to more sustainable methods of farming and to the development of a new agri-environment scheme capable of delivering broad environmental and biodiversity benefits that will align financial supports with climate objectives. To advance this aim the Results- Based Environmental Agri Pilot Project (REAP) is being launched this week.

The aim of this pilot project is to identify a suitable agri-environment results based scoring system and to trial this system at a national level with a view to identifying up scaling potential for possible inclusion in the next national agri-environment scheme. Under the results-based model, farm holdings with the highest scoring receive the greatest payment. By linking payments to defined indicators the results-based model creates a financial incentive linked with outcomes for participating farmers. The model also makes it worthwhile for participants to gain an understanding of the conditions required for the delivery of optimum biodiversity and environmental benefits.

REAP will be funded under the technical assistance measure of the rural development programme and is subject to EU Commission approval of the 10th amendment to the RDP.

There will be no limit on the number of applications that each agricultural planner can submit for the REAP Project. Full details of the project including terms and conditions and specifications are available on the Department's section of the government website.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

228. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the additional €79 million allocated for agri-environment and farm safety initiatives in Budget 2021 will be allocated; the amount of this funding sourced from the carbon fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21037/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

An additional €79 million, including €23 million carbon tax, was provided in the budget to support action in the area of biodiversity, climate, environment and health and safety.

My intention is to allocate the funding as follows:

- Re-opening of the organic farming scheme €5m,

- Straw Incorporation measure (SIM) €10m,

- Agri-environment training for farmers €10m,

- REAP – Results based environment-agri pilot projects €10m,

- Soil sampling €10m,

- Farm Environmental Study €5m,

- TAMS environment €20m,

- Rewetting EIP – €3m,

- Continuous Professional Development for advisors €1m,

- Health and safety initiatives under EIP-AGRI €1m,

- Biodiversity actions for farmers and communities €1.25m and

- Peatland rejuvenation €3m.

EU approval is required and my Department has submitted the tenth amendment to the Rural Development Programme (RDP) to the European Commission for its approval, after which the final allocation of the €79 million funding will be decided.