Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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1189. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the proposal for a minimum economic output metric to be used in defining a genuine farmer in circumstances in which this metric will be based on sales or output per hectare with a differentiated rate depending on ANC designation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30898/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Negotiations between the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council on the new regulatory framework for the new CAP are ongoing and include negotiations around specific definitions such as that of a genuine farmer.

The definition of what constitutes a genuine farmer is a complex issue with many views being expressed on the matter. It is worth noting that the neither the European Parliament, the European Commission nor the Council have provided written proposals around the specifics of the consideration of "sales or output per hectare" when considering the definition of a genuine farmer.

The Department has and continues to consults widely with a variety of stakeholders including the farming organisations and takes account of all views expressed in presenting Ireland’s position in the negotiations. Some farming organisations have suggested a geninue farmer should be someone who is selling farm produce on a consistent basis and who has farm output of a least a certain percentage relative to their Pillar 1 payment from the previous year.

Discussions around the draft regulations are ongoing and I continue to engage intensively to ensure the best possible outcome for Irish farmers.