Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1208.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to address concerns regarding the abrupt changes to the straw chopping scheme; if he is aware that tillage farmers had customers already lined up and that this abrupt alteration to the scheme will adversely affect agri-business and tillage farmers including financial loss; if he will reverse the proposed changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[33846/24]

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

As a result of a difficult harvest in 2023 and a prolonged housing period, very little straw was carried over from 2023 into 2024. The early part of the summer saw continued difficult weather, and also with fodder supplies already low, fears of an impending fodder shortage in the coming winter were very real.

Against this backdrop of depleted fodder reserves and poor growth rates I wanted to ensure the maximum amount of fodder was available. Therefore, following extensive engagement with representatives of the tillage sector, I have launched the Baling Assistance Payment scheme to provide flexibility to Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) applicants in support of baling the straw from their SIM cereal crop instead of chopping and incorporation.

The Government is fully aware of the difficulties that tillage farmers have experienced in recent years, both due to low prices and difficult weather. Increased supports have been put in place to assist farmers. For example, increased funding in the new CAP for Protein crops along with the introduction of the Tillage Incentive Scheme (TIS), Unharvested Crop Loss and the Tillage Top- Up schemes.

Tillage is an integral part of Irish farming and the Government will explore all possible means of supporting the sector and will closely look at the recommendations of the Food Vision Group, including the request for a new scheme to support tillage farmers in the medium to long term.

The inclusion of SIM in the CAP Strategic Plan and the introduction of BAP show that the Government is actively engaged with the tillage sector and will continue to work with farmers and their representatives to ensure the viability of the sector.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1209.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if separate individual owners can plant adjacent to each other land under the native tree area scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[33855/24]

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

The Native Tree Area Scheme was introduced to facilitate small-scale native tree planting on farms without the requirement for an afforestation licence. This planting will contribute to Ireland’s targets in relation to a wide range of environmental priorities, particularly climate change, biodiversity and water quality.

Individual landowners that have successfully made an application for entry into the scheme can plant adjacent to each other’s land on separate farm holdings.

Full details of the schemes Terms and Conditions can be found on my Departments website here:

www.assets.gov.ie/272397/bd7eeafd-d554-4773-a32b-4c2b5fa357e8.pdf