Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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239. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider supporting farmers in derogation with environmental schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28388/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The CAP Strategic Plan proposed by Ireland will support all farmers, including Nitrates Derogation farmers, through a suite of measures under Pillar I through direct income supports, coupled aid for protein and Eco-Schemes as well as through Pillar II interventions including agri-environmental climate commitments and support for capital investments.  

However, in all cases, farmers will only be paid for carrying out measures, actions or investments that exceed the regulatory baseline.

Nitrates Derogation farmers are subject to higher environmental conditions, in keeping with the recognition of higher environmental pressures on such farm and are only eligible for funding of measures that go beyond the minimum requirements set out in the terms and conditions applicable to those farmers operating under a nitrates derogation. 

The only exception to the  requirement for a funded measure to go above the regulatory baseline is where a new regulatory baseline or provision is introduced.  In this scenario support may be granted for investments or commitments contributing to compliance with those new regulatory provisions for a maximum of 24 months from the date on which they become mandatory for the holding.