Written answers

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Agriculture Schemes

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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3396. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will add shearing as a qualification measure for the sheep welfare scheme. [40169/21]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am very conscious of the important role that the sheep sector plays in the continued growth and development of our agri-food sector, and its valuable contribution to the rural economy. I fully support the sheep sector.

The strong performance of the sector in 2020 has continued into 2021. Reductions in production globally and increased demand are expected to support continued strong performance throughout 2021. The current average price as reported on 22nd July is €6.33 per kg, which is 20% above the same period last year.

The Sheep Welfare Scheme was introduced in December 2016 as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, having been agreed with the European Commission. In the four years of the scheme to date, €66.9 million has been paid to 18,268 farmers. The Sheep Welfare scheme has been extended in 2021 as part of the transition arrangements prior to the next CAP. There are currently no plans to add additional measures to this Scheme.

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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3397. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide new entrants to the sheep welfare scheme with a rolling reference number to allow them to establish their flock. [40170/21]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Sheep Welfare Scheme was launched in December 2016 and provides a valuable support to farmers for undertaking actions which make a positive contribution to flock welfare. The scheme was initially set-up as a four year scheme, which was renewable annually. The initial four year period expired on the 31st of January 2021. An allocation of an additional €17m in funding was provided in Budget 2021 to extend the scheme for a fifth year as we enter the transitionary period ahead of the introduction of the new Common Agricultural Policy. An amendment to the RDP was required to give affect to the extension of the Sheep Welfare Scheme for a fifth year.

The use of an historical reference period was included in the scheme terms and conditions when the scheme was launched. It was approved by the European Commission at the time, as a mechanism to ensure that the maximum budget available for the Scheme under the RDP was not exceeded and that the Scheme did not serve to incentivise production.

I have listened to farmers' requests to update the historical reference period from the original 2014/2015 reference year and I am happy to confirm that the reference period will be updated. This is an important step in supporting progressive and expanding sheep farmers, while maintain prudent financial management and not incentivising production.

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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3398. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ensure that all participants in the sheep welfare scheme are provided with a later reference year that reflects the full up to date level of activity on their farm. [40171/21]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Sheep Welfare Scheme was launched in December 2016 and provides a valuable support to farmers for undertaking actions which make a positive contribution to flock welfare. The scheme was initially set-up as a four year scheme, which was renewable annually. The initial four year period expired on the 31st of January 2021. An allocation of an additional €17m in funding was provided in Budget 2021 to extend the scheme for a fifth year as we enter the transitionary period ahead of the introduction of the new Common Agricultural Policy.

An amendment to the RDP was required to give affect to the extension of the Sheep Welfare Scheme for a fifth year. A change to the reference period was also provided for in this amendment. Updating the reference year from the original 2014/2015 reference year is an important step in supporting progressive and expanding sheep farmers. I have listened to farmers in this regard and I am happy to confirm that the reference period will be updated.

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