Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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44. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department continues to ensure the future of the agri-food sector in the aftermath of Brexit and notwithstanding carbon reduction targets; the degree to which he has identified opportunities for the meeting of such targets while minimising the impact on production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26974/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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On 14th April, I published my Department's Statement of Strategy 2021-2024 alongside an Action Plan for 2021, which outlines 75 actions to further develop a sustainable, innovative and competitive agri-food, forestry and seafood sector. The Action Plan will build on significant work already underway by the Department, including:

1. Continuing to provide vital supports to the farmers, fishers and foresters which are the lifeblood of a balanced economy.

2. Finalising and publishing a new 10-year Strategy for the agri-food sector - delivering on a key commitment of the Programme for Government, which called for an ambitious blueprint for the sector.

3. Developing Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan.

4. Designing, developing and commencing new transitional schemes for 2021 including an Agri-Environment results-based Pilot Project which rewards farmers for committed environmental effort by linking payments to the quality of environmental outcomes delivered.

5. Implementing Ireland’s first over-arching Animal Welfare Strategy.

6. Working to develop initiatives and policies to underpin and support farm and fisher incomes.

The Department makes direct payments to Irish farmers of almost €1.9 billion annually, under CAP and national schemes. In addition, it funds research, advisory and training supports which directly benefit Irish farmers, and, along with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, co-funds a number of preferential loan schemes to the benefit of primary producers. Farmers also benefit significantly from a range of agri-taxation measures, which are particularly focused to support land mobility and generational renewal.

On climate, I launched a National ‘Climate & Air Roadmap’ for the Agriculture Sector entitled “Ag Climatise” on 9^thDecember 2020. The roadmap sets an ambitious vision for a ‘climate neutral agriculture sector by 2050’ and includes 29 actions with specific and challenging targets aimed at reducing the environmental footprint and further building on the strong credentials of Irish agriculture.

The draft agri-food Strategy for 2030 was recently launched for public consultation on the Strategy itself and its environmental assessment. The public consultation will remain open until 15th June.