Written answers

Wednesday, 30 June 2021

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Common Agricultural Policy

Photo of Michael LowryMichael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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355. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if 40% of pillar 1 expenditure must contribute towards climate change objectives and at least 30% of Rural Development Plan must focus on specific environmental and climate related objectives in accordance with the Cap Strategic Plan draft regulations; if afforestation of areas greater than 0.1 hectares and over can contribute towards these objectives; if afforestation should form a central plank of the CSP and agri-environment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35063/21]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Common Agricultural Policy (and associated draft regulations) has been the subject of intensive negotiations between the European Parliament and the Presidency and Commission and political agreement was reached in the last few days on how the twin challenges of ensuring fair distribution of payments between farmers, and the achievement of a higher level of environmental and climate ambition, can be tackled under the CAP framework.

Under the agreement, 25% of Member States’ direct payments envelopes will be ring-fenced for new eco-schemes under Pillar I. Additional flexibilities are in place for Member States, in terms of a two year learning period in 2023 and 2024 which will minimise the risk of loss of unspent funds. In addition, 35% of Pillar II payments must be targeted at environmental actions.

The Department will continue to develop a draft CAP Strategic Plan in consultation with stakeholders through the CAP Consultative Committee and other forums. Following the consultation process, the draft plan will be subject to strategic environmental assessment and ex-ante evaluation and a further public consultation process before submission to the Commission by the deadline of 1st January 2022.

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