Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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426. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will examine and address a matter (details supplied) in relation to securing the supply of organic rations for sheep; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8011/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Under the EU Organic regulations, there is a requirement that feed for organic livestock must be produced organically. I understand that there is importation of compound organic feed in particular from the UK and whilst there may be a delay in delivering organic sheep rations onto farms in a small number of cases, there is overall availability in the sector.

To address this issue, I have introduced measures in the Organic Farming Scheme to encourage farmers with suitable tillage ground to convert to organic farming to produce organic grain and grain/ protein crops to meet the growing demand and reduce the reliance on imported feed. Furthermore, significant efforts are being made to co-ordinate the supply of such home grown feed with demand.

In recent months, both Teagasc and the Agricultural Consultants Association have invested significant resources in organic advisory support and I would advise any farmer who is experiencing any difficulty in obtaining organic rations to contact their local advisor immediately.

My Department will continue to monitor the situation including liaising with the organic feed merchants.