Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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29. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the long-term plan for maize farmers impacted by EU Directive 2019/904; if an update will be provided on the sector’s efforts to develop alternative products; the new developments in respect of the value for cultivation and use trials for uncovered maize; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51558/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The provisions of Directive 2019/904, known as the Single Use Plastic Directive, were signed into law by the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Communications by SI 326 of 2021 in July 2021 and prohibited the marketing of single use plastics from the 3rd July 2021. This includes films of the type used to sow covered maize.

Maize growers may use existing stocks of maize plastic present on their farms that were purchased prior to the commencement of this legislation. 

I understand that the sector continues in its efforts to develop alternative products for use in the sowing of maize that will be compliant with these new Regulations.

In terms of support for the sector and in direct response to the effects of the Single Use Plastic Directive on maize growers, my Department re-commenced Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) trials for uncovered maize, in 2020 to identify varieties better suited to Irish growing conditions and which do not require plastic covering. A new Uncovered Maize Recommended List will be produced for the 2023 sowing season following the required 3 years of trialling. In the meantime, the 2015 Uncovered Recommended List identified a high performing variety which is currently available on the Irish market.

I and officials in my Department will continue to engage with the sector on developments in this area as they arise.