169. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the person who decided that Ireland would not pursue agricultural reserve support for potato growers affected by the 2023/2024 weather events; whether that decision was made by him, a Minister of State or officials within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52024/26]

170. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the objective criteria used by his Department in concluding that the 2023/2024 potato losses did not justify seeking agricultural reserve assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52025/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.

The Agriculture Crisis Reserve is an emergency fund within the Common Agricultural Policy designed to provide rapid financial support when farmers face severe, unexpected crises that disrupt agricultural markets such as extreme weather events, disease outbreaks or impacts from geopolitical events.

It is not intended to cover automatic compensation for every loss. Instead, it is used selectively for exceptional situations where coordinated EU action is considered necessary.

By way of example, following Member State applications in Spring 2024, the Commission endorsed applications relating to damage to orchards and heavy losses in fruit production in vineyards arising from a sequence of events which saw an exceptionally warm March, below freezing temperatures in late April and then additional hail in some regions. The Commission described these as "adverse climate events of unprecedented magnitude" because the affected area was extensive and the losses threatened the economic viability of many farms.

My Department continuously monitored the situation with respect to the 2023 potato crop harvest across the sector in late 2023 and early 2024 given the challenges posed by the weather conditions in that period. The adverse weather impacted growers to differing extents around the country. However, the vast majority of the 2023 planted crop was harvested, with a 97% harvest rate based on industry estimates. Overall, the potato sector remained relatively strong throughout 2023 and in 2024 despite the challenges posed by the weather events of 2023.

Accordingly, having been informed of the overall impact of the event on the sector based on the level of harvesting and the robustness of sector in the period concerned, I reaffirmed the decision of the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine that the criteria for considering making an application to the Reserve was not met.

My Department provides significant support to the potato sector through various Schemes and remains committed to it.