Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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594. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports available for Kildare farmers struggling with rising costs and climate-related challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42554/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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We must all acknowledge that Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Farmers are at the coalface and are bearing the brunt of the impacts. My Department is committed to working with Farmers in achieving our climate objectives and over-coming challenges faced in the agricultural sector arising from Climate Change.

To safeguard the viability of the sector, the Irish CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) has a significant budget of €9.8 billion over five years, and more than 60% of that (just under €6 billion) is targeted at supporting farm incomes. A key element of the CSP is the commitment to enhanced climate and environmental practices such as ACRES with funding of €1.5 billion and the ECO scheme with €297 million. In addition, Protein Aid, Straw Incorporation, the Organic Farming Scheme, Multispecies & Red Clover Swards and Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) support wider environmental objectives through reduction in chemical usage, new technologies and import substitution. The objective here is to reduce emissions, thereby reducing the future impacts of climate change.

The weather this year has been challenging for farmers across Ireland. To offset challenges in relation to fodder, I introduced the Fodder Transport Measure Support Scheme. This provides targeted support to farmers having to purchase fodder over longer distances in light of the prolonged and unfavourable weather conditions on farm.

A new Baling Assistance Payment 2024 was introduced to bolster fodder supplies, running in tandem with the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM). This payment allows farmers the flexibility to choose whether to receive funding by chopping straw under SIM or by baling it under the new Baling Assistance Payment.

As the deputy is aware, I secured an additional €158 million in Budget 2025, €85 million of this is for New Measures for Farmers.

I was delighted to announce last week that my Department issued advance payments under the BISS & CRISS, worth over €506 million to 110,186 farmers. I delivered payment levels this year that far exceed what was achieved at the commencement of payments in 2023. These payments are critical to family farm income and a vital support for farmers as well as the rural economy.

My Department also issued the highest ever level of advance payments under the areas of Natural Constraints Scheme at €184m. Payments for various schemes will continue to issue over the coming months.

I will continue to work with farmers and am wholly committed to ensuring that family farms can weather the storm and provide an income for their families.