Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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161. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to implement GAEC-2 regulation in 2025; if he has engaged with the European Commission in relation to same in the context of EU simplification measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24885/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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GAEC 2 is a mandatory condition of the payment of the Basic Income Support for Farmers (BISS). It is intended to protect peatlands and wetlands. The EU Regulation governing the CAP Strategic Plans requires all Member States to have a standard in place this year at the latest.

The proposal was submitted by my Department and approved by the European Commission on 30th April 2025 and is now in place from this year onwards.

It aims to strike the balance between the vital protection of peatlands and wetlands, and the farmer's right to continue with agricultural activity on this land. The introduction of this standard will have minimal impact on farmers’ day to day operations.

Farmers and other stakeholders have been part of a consultation process on the implementation of GAEC 2 that began in 2023. Meetings with stakeholders have occurred regularly. Communications have been issued to farmers and advisors throughout 2025. On 2nd May, following the European Commission's approval of the Standard, my Department issued a technical note to all agricultural advisors and the national agri-media. My Department has written to all individual farmers that have land subject to the new standard.

The European Commission is due to publish new CAP simplification proposals (14th May). My Department inputted to Commission consideration of the simplification options. On conditionality, my Department asked for the removal of GAEC 2 from the Regulations, on the basis of overlap between these requirements and other national and EU legislation. However, I understand that the removal of GAEC 2 will not be included in the proposal. So, GAEC 2 will remain a conditionality requirement.

On the simplification package more broadly, I welcome any proposals that will simplify and reduce the administrative burden for farmers and for national administrations. As with any new legislation, my Department will need to carefully examine the details of the proposals, and will evaluate the possible impact for Ireland.