Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

279. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the definition of young poultry is defined by EU Reg 2018/848; if not, if it is within the remit of his Department; the action taken by this Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23838/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

EU Reg 2018/848 introduces a new requirement that the provision to use 5% non organic protein in ration can only apply to young poultry but does are not define what young poultry are. Guidance from DG Agri is that it should apply to poultry up to 18 weeks of age. Following discussions with the sector in Ireland my Department deemed that the allowance to use 5% non organic protein should apply to poultry to 30 weeks of age.

As a result of the invasion of Ukraine, an organic protein scarcity developed. Following submissions made by my Department on the matter, the European Commission has published a draft regulation which provides for a derogation for the use of 5% non-organic protein for all pig and poultry feed not restricted by age.

I am satisfied that this draft regulation, which, if passed, will apply retroactively from 24 February, will alleviate some of the difficulties, facing organic poultry producers here in Ireland. It is currently under discussion at EU level and my Department is monitoring progress closely.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

282. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to providing financial assistance to the organic egg sector arising from rising input costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23841/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Within my Department, I have established a high-level committee to deal with issues arising out of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.

My officials are continuing to engage closely with the various industry sectors to monitor the identified risks and work towards mitigation actions where possible and appropriate. I have tasked a National Fodder and Food Security Committee to prepare an industry response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.

Furthermore, my Department continues to engage at EU level to ensure a joined-up EU approach to the challenges, including through the European Food Security Crisis preparedness response Mechanism (EFSCM).

As of 1 Jan 2022 there were 46 Organic Hen Egg Producers registered with DAFM. This represents almost 17% of all hen egg producers.

There are approx. 144,988 organic bird places registered with DAFM representing 3.7% of total of hen places in the country.

As in other agri-food sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term. My Department will continue to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector.