68. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider providing more funding to farmers to allow an expansion of rewilding projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52313/26]

My Department provide a broad range of biodiversity support measures under Ireland's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan, together with other national and EU-funded initiatives.

My Department's approach is to support farmers in delivering biodiversity through practical, voluntary and appropriately incentivised measures that complement sustainable food production and vibrant rural communities.

Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan represents the largest investment ever made in environmental action through agricultural policy, supporting farmers to deliver meaningful biodiversity outcomes while continuing to farm sustainably.

As part of Conditionality, GAEC 8 requires a minimum area devoted to nature on farms, while the Eco-Scheme Space for Nature measure supports farmers to retain and create a minimum of either 7% or 10% space for nature on their land to qualify. In 2025, 85% of participating farmers selected the Space for Nature practice, with over 100,000 farmers being rewarded. My Department also supports some 100,000 farmers through the Areas of Natural Constraint scheme that includes land of high value in terms of nature and biodiversity.

In Budget 2026, I secured €280 million for ACRES, our flagship agri-environmental scheme, with almost 54,000 farmers currently participating. Through both the General and Co-operation approaches, farmers undertake targeted actions that improve and create habitats, establish hedgerows and native trees, restore peatlands and support priority species. More than one million hectares have now been scored for habitat condition under the scheme, demonstrating the scale of biodiversity action taking place across Irish farms.

Ireland has also demonstrated leadership through European Innovation Partnership (EIP) projects, which showcase the success of locally-led, farmer-centred approaches to biodiversity conservation. Earlier this year, I announced €17.8 million for eleven new EIP projects focused on environmental sustainability, regenerative agriculture, biodiversity enhancement and soil health. Outside the CAP Strategic Plan, my Department continues to support biodiversity through collaboration with other Government Departments on EU LIFE projects and is an active supporter of the All-Island Pollinator Plan protecting pollinators and their habitats.