Written answers

Monday, 9 September 2024

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Tillage Sector

Photo of Carol NolanCarol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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1248.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he is taking to implement action 26 of the Food Vision 2023 Tillage Group Report, namely to provide greater recognition and support for agricultural contractors recognising the important services they provide to the tillage sector; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that according to an FCI analysis tractor purchase costs have increased by more than 50% between 2015 and 2023, while replacement costs for modern high-technology machines that deliver improved work rates, fuel economy and lower emissions, combined with greater traceability, have increased by almost 100%; does he agree that these costs indicate the need for greater support for the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34795/24]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Agricultural contractors provide a vital service to the agricultural industry and I wish to acknowledge the key role they play in supporting the sector. Contractors often have modern machinery that has higher output and the latest technology that is out of reach for some farmers. They also provide additional capacity for the tillage sector in narrow work windows as exemplified by their actions in aiding farmers through harvest in 2023 and the late sowing of spring crops in 2024.

I recognised the importance of farm and forestry contractors in supporting Irish agriculture by ensuring that the Association of Irish Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland was included as a stakeholder on the Food Vision Tillage Group that I established in May last year. The Group was set up to set out a roadmap for the sustainable growth and development of the sector to 400,000ha by 2030 in line with the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan.

The Group, which was made up of a wide range of stakeholders from across the industry, has listed 28 actions to achieve the target of 400,000ha in tillage by 2030. Action 26 specifically relates to contractors and relates to the setting up of a register and further examination of supports including training.

My Department is currently setting about implementing the actions identified in the report and contact has been made with many stakeholders to progress these actions and to put an overall implementation plan in place.

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