Floor price for potatoes
The Minister ruled out a floor price, citing limited resources and the exceptionally high prices producers received in recent years; members contrasted those prices with this year’s lower returns, but no further answer was given.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he intends to introduce a floor price for potatoes.
Comment on this
The answer to the Deputy's question is no. Apart from the fact that there are more pressing demands on the limited financial resources available it has to be remembered that potato producers received exceptionally high prices in the past two years.
Comment on this
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that two years ago we had a floor price of £25 per ton and this year potatoes are being sold at £18 a ton?
Comment on this
I agree with the Deputy, but the Deputy will agree that a floor price in this particular year is not the answer to the overall problem.
Comment on this
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not consider it absolutely urgent at this stage to fix a floor price for potatoes?
