Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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86. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action his Department is taking to improve environmental sustainability on Irish farms, in particular in respect of soil health and nutrient management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8372/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Following on from Ireland's Food Vision 2030 strategy, my Department is implementing a wide range of actions and measures to improve environmental sustainability on Irish farms including soil health and nutrient management.

In the first instance, conditionality controls in respect of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments are part of this approach. Conditionality is a set of Statutory Management Requirements (SMR's) and Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) standards included in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan.

SMRs 1 & 2 focus on the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates and phosphates. Farmers are required to maintain records on their holdings that include an estimation of the annual fertiliser requirement for the holding and a copy of any Nutrient Management Plan prepared in relation to the holding.

For grassland farmers that are seeking to avail of a nitrate’s derogation, i.e. farm above the stocking rate of 170 kg organic nitrogen per hectare, it is mandatory for them to submit a Nutrient Management Plan on application. In addition, farmers above a grassland stocking rate of 130 kg organic nitrogen per hectare and all tillage land must have valid soil samples taken. A liming programme must be prepared and implemented on all holdings with a grassland stocking rate greater than 170 kg organic nitrogen per hectare. From 2024 all slurry must be applied using Low Emission Slurry Spreading equipment on all farms with a grassland stocking rate of greater than 130 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare before exports are taken into consideration.

The 9 GAEC's cover a range of standards related to soil, water and ‘space for nature’. These combine to provide protection for water and soil as well as important habitats and ecosystems.

The Eco-Scheme is a new measure under the CAP Strategic Plan, designed to reward farmers for undertaking actions beneficial to the climate, environment, water quality and biodiversity. Eco-Scheme options include, soil sampling & liming, planting break crops and sowing multi-species crops, all of which benefit our soil health.

The flagship Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) aims to deliver significant long-term environmental improvement through participation by a significant number of farmers on the most appropriate land, with each making a strong improvement on their farm. This will build on, and complement achievements under Conditionality and the Eco-Scheme. The scheme aims to contribute significantly to achieving improved biodiversity, climate, air and water quality outcomes.

The Straw Incorporation Measure is another measure under the CSP which aims to improve soil health by encouraging tillage farmers to increase Soil Organic Carbon levels by chopping and incorporating straw into the soil.

The Multi-Species Swards and Red Clover Silage Measures are continuing into 2024. These supports will enable farmers to reduce chemical fertiliser inputs, an economic benefit to the farmer and an environmental benefit to society while maintaining food production.

My Department is also supporting the taking and analysis of up to 90,000 samples through phase two of the Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme. Phase two will build on data gathered during the initial programme by providing valuable information to farmers to inform decisions that promote the health of their soils.

Overall, my Department is taking a multi-faceted approach to improve environmental sustainability on Irish farms, including the important areas of soil health and nutrient management, and recognising the importance of balancing agricultural production with environmental conservation and protection.