Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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278. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will meet with representatives of a sector (details supplied) to discuss ongoing challenges related to feed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23837/22]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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280. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Government has considered invoking the catastrophic circumstances clause of European Union Regulations to facilitate the use of non-organic wheat in organic diets until current supply issues abate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23839/22]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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281. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department may avail of a derogation facilitating the continued use of 95% organic in egg production systems; if he has advocated in favour of such a derogation if one is not available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23840/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 278, 280 and 281 together.

New organic regulations which were introduced on 1 January 2022 restricted the previously allowed 5% non-organic protein allowance to young poultry and pigs, resulting in older, mature stock requiring a 100% organic protein feed.

As a result of the invasion of Ukraine, an organic protein scarcity developed. Following submissions made by my Department on the matter, the European Commission has published a draft regulation which provides for a derogation for the use of 5% non-organic protein for all pig and poultry feed not restricted by age.

I am satisfied that this draft regulation, which, if passed, will apply retroactively from 24 February, will alleviate some of the difficulties, facing organic egg producers here in Ireland.

A derogation for the use of non-organic wheat may only be provided for when feed production is lost or restrictions are imposed and must receive prior Commission approval. My Department continues to closely monitor the situation.

My Department recently met with representatives of the Organic Egg Industry to discuss the current challenges facing the sector and I will continue to engage with the sector to assist in addressing issues at both a national and European level.