Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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70. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the objectives that his Department hopes to achieve through the agri-climate rural environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38245/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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A comprehensive Needs Assessment was undertaken as part of the development of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (CSP). The aim of the Needs Assessment was to identify and prioritise the high-level needs of the Irish agri-food sector and was based on the evidence provided in Ireland’s SWOT Analysis, feedback provided by stakeholders, and the recommendations provided by the European Commission with regard to Ireland’s CSP. A total of 37 needs were identified across the nine specific objectives and one cross-cutting objective of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023-2027.

A new agri-environmental scheme to be known as the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (‘ACRES’), was accordingly developed and proposed as part of Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan which is currently with the EU Commission for approval. €1.5 billion in funding has also been committed to the scheme over the lifetime of the next CAP.

The CAP objectives to be specifically addressed by ACRES are:

- To contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, including by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration, as well as to promote sustainable energy

- To foster sustainable development and efficient management of natural resources such as water, soil and air, including by reducing chemical dependency

- To contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, enhance ecosystem services and preserve habitats and landscapes

- To improve the response of Union agriculture to societal demands on food and health, including high-quality, safe and nutritious food produced in a sustainable way, to reduce food waste, as well as to improve animal welfare and to combat antimicrobial resistances.

ACRES proposes to achieve these objectives by offering a range of appropriate actions, with attractive payment rates, from which farmers may choose, with such actions when implemented contributing a range of environmental, climate and biodiversity benefits. ACRES will be an effective and farmer-friendly scheme.

It should be noted that approval for Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan is awaited from the EU Commission, so all of the proposals may be subject to change.