2652. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the publication of the towards a just transition in agriculture and land use report and its recommendations, if his Department is working to improve equitable access to climate action schemes and increase funding available for climate and biodiversity actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58839/26]

2650. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the publication of the towards a just transition in agriculture and land use report and its recommendations, if the Minister intends to convene a national dialogue on the future of Irish agriculture and land use to develop a shared long-term vision for agriculture and land use, facilitating participation by farmers, rural communities, industry, civil society and other stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58837/26]

2651. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the publication of the towards a just transition in agriculture and land use report and its recommendations, if the Minister will establish long-term funding commitments to support generational land-use change and ensure funding arrangements reflect the long-term nature of land-use decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58838/26]

2653. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the publication of the towards a just transition in agriculture and land use report and its recommendations, if the Minister plans to introduce or expand payments for ecosystem services, ensure adequate funding to reward environmental outcomes, and provide additional financial incentives for nature restoration and biodiversity enhancement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58840/26]

2654. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the publication of the towards a just transition in agriculture and land use report and its recommendations, if his Department have plans to scale up farmer-led skills development initiatives and scale up community-led development programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58841/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2652, 2650, 2651, 2653 and 2654 together.

I welcome the publication of the Just Transition Commission's report, “Towards a Just Transition in Agriculture and Land Use” and note its alignment with Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s stakeholder led agri-food strategy that sets a vision is for Ireland to be “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”, with environmental, economic and social sustainability at its core.

In considering the future direction of agriculture and land use, it is important to recognise the critical importance of food production alongside our many environmental commitments. In the context of nature, my priority remains that any restoration measures affecting farmers and other landowners are voluntary, properly incentivised and supported by adequate and sustainable funding, outside of CAP, while safeguarding food production, farm viability and vibrant rural communities.

The Irish agriculture sector is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 and my Department is supporting farmers through a range of measures under Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan. Our flagship Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) supports approximately 54,000 farmers delivering environmental, biodiversity, climate and water quality benefits. I secured an additional €280 million for ACRES in 2026 to build on this progress.

Support for organic farming has also increased significantly, with 248,000 hectares now farmed organically and with 5,500 farmers supported by the Organic Farming Scheme with funding of €58.6 million in 2026. Additionally, €17.8 million has been allocated to eleven new European Innovation Partnership (EIP) projects, supporting innovative locally-led environmental solutions.

I have also allocated €260 million to the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme to improve the genetic merit and carbon efficiency of the national beef herd. The National Forestry Programme is underpinned by €1.3 billion in funding, with the 2026 allocation increased to €93 million to support carbon sequestration and climate action.

Recognising the importance of the next generation to the future of Irish agriculture, I published the report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming, which sets out recommendations such as access to land and finance, taxation, pensions and collaborative farming arrangements.

Stakeholder engagement is central to agricultural policy development. My Department continually consults with farmers, representative organisations, industry, environmental groups and rural communities. In February 2026, I launched a public consultation on the future of the CAP post-2027. I remain committed to ensuring that farmers and all stakeholders continue to play a central role in shaping the future of Irish agriculture and land use.