Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

887. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the mitigations that are being considered to reduce the cost of farm inputs such as fertiliser and fuel and to ensure the sustainability of family farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39147/22]

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

The current situation in relation to the cost and availability of farm inputs and its impacts on farm families is a key priority of mine at present.  Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine led to significant hikes in energy, feed and fertiliser prices and significant concerns around supply chain disruption. 

Earlier this year, I established the 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. This Group continues to meet and I will continue to engage closely with the sector as we work together on these significant challenges.

Within my Department, I established a Rapid Response Team, chaired by the Secretary General, to actively monitor the impacts on agri-food supply chains and to contribute to the whole of Government response to this crisis.

I launched the Teagasc 2022 Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign at the start of the year in response to the unprecedented fertiliser price levels.  This credible roadmap has helped farmers reduce their dependency on chemical fertiliser in the longer-term. Teagasc has also issued revised advice to farmers on the recommended application amounts of fertilisers for silage fields to reflect the increase in fertiliser price.

Given Ireland’s dependence on imported feed, I announced a package of targeted interventions for the tillage sector and a multi-species sward initiative worth over €12 million to support Irish farmers on 22nd March. The package supports the growing of additional tillage and protein crops and the establishment of multi-species swards lowering demand for chemical fertiliser. Following on from the package of measures announced in recent months to provide support to Irish farmers, I launched a €56 million Fodder Support Scheme on 15th June 2022.

My Department continues to closely monitor the evolving situation and is actively engaging with the EU Commission, across Government and with industry as this situation unfolds 

As the Deputy is aware, I am committed to supporting our farm families and their businesses through this very challenging period.

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

888. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the regulations which govern if an underpass is fit for purpose with regard to poultry; the reason that it was adjudicated not to be the case in an instance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39196/22]

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

There are no specific regulations in relation to whether an underpass is fit for purpose with regard to poultry.  However, there are specific regulations for the use of the term 'free range'.  The term ‘free range’ is legally defined for eggs and can only be used on eggs when certain production and processing criteria, as outlined in Commission Regulation (EC) No 589/2008 of 23 June 2008 laying down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 as regards marketing standards for eggs, are met.

The EU marketing standards for eggs are designed to ensure that the quality of the product stays high, that consumers are protected and that standards are consistent throughout the EU market place.

There has been ongoing engagement between my Department and the producer concerned.  It has not been adequately demonstrated to the satisfaction of my Department that the hens are accessing the full range area necessary to meet the threshold set out in Annex II of Commission Regulation No. 589/2008.

I am satisfied that my Department has been fair and reasonable in assessing this application in accordance with the relevant legislation. However, ultimately it is the responsibility of the producer to ensure that the production meets the requirements of the legislation, particularly in terms of Annex II of Commission Regulation No. 589/2008 as regards the marketing standards for eggs.