Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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509. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has investigated the potential of biochar in Ireland; if so, what supports are being made available to encourage use of biochar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42704/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Biochar is primarily used in combination with other fertilising materials before application to soil to increase carbon content which may result in increased plant establishment and growth. The use of biochar is permitted under EU fertiliser legislation.

Currently, an EU Commission-led working group comprised of biochar experts across Europe are examining the use of biochar in agriculture.

Teagasc advises that using Biochar at planting time may have significant long-term benefits for tree crops, as well as soil stability and suggests that it may be an additional useful tool for soil protection and enhancement.

My Department is supportive of innovation and technologies that could lead to a reduction in the reliance on chemical fertiliser.