Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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143. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his response to the call by an organisation (details supplied) to set up a new Food Vision tillage group. [61003/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The tillage sector is a sector that I am a huge proponent of and is an important and integral component of the Agri-food industry. It has a vital role to play in enabling Ireland to become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems as set out in the 2030 Vision for Irelands Agri-Food Sector. 

The tillage sector is a major contributor to livestock production providing high quality grain to the animal feeding industry and straw for feeding and bedding. It also makes a significant contribution to the food and drinks sector. It is the most carbon efficient sector of Irish Agriculture and it is my ambition to grow the area under tillage production while further enhancing its environmental credentials.

I have supported the tillage sector and the relevant tillage Food Vision Actions through targeted policy interventions and supports and will continue to do so into the future. 

I introduced the Straw Incorporation Measure in 2021. This measure will deliver an estimated €12m in support for the tillage sector in 2022 and will be continued in the CSP (CAP Strategic Plan) 2023-2027.

The budget for the Protein Aid Scheme will be increased from €3m to €7m in the next CSP.

Earlier this year, I introduced the Tillage Incentive Scheme with a €400/ha payment on additional crop area. The scheme is being continued for 2023 to maintain and build on the progress made by the Scheme in 2022.

To date, tillage farmers have received over €32m in financial support under the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme. Targeted support for capital investment in the tillage crops sector will continue in the next CSP.  

I have also provided for measures which tillage farmers can access in the Agri-Environmental and Climate Measures in the next CSP.  

My Department funds research on various topics relevant to the sector including research on Integrated Pest Management.

My Department also conducts a comprehensive variety trialling system to identify varieties most suitable for Irish farmers and supports the industry through the seed certification schemes which ensures growers have access to top quality seed.

My Department engages with various tillage stakeholder groups on an ongoing basis including the Teagasc Tillage Crop Stakeholder Consultative Group, the Irish Protein Stakeholders Group and the Tillage Representative Groups.

While there are no plans to establish a new Food Vision Tillage Group, I ensure the Deputy that my Department will continue its open-door policy of engagement with all relevant tillage stakeholders to grow and realise the potential of this important sector. I am happy to consider any proposal from stakeholders regarding the establishment of such a body.