1981 wheat crop and seed supply
Winter wheat sowings were estimated at about 70,000 acres, and milling-wheat price negotiations had concluded satisfactorily. The Minister said about 15,000 tons of seed wheat were available domestically; millers, growers and seed importers had agreed to seek additional European supplies, and he hoped demand for the crop could be met.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the position regarding the 1981 wheat crop; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
Present indications are that winter wheat sowings are in the region of 70,000 acres. Estimates of spring wheat acreage will not be available for some time yet.
As the Deputy is aware, negotiations on the price of milling wheat from the 1981 crop have recently been satisfactorily concluded by the Irish Flour Millers' Association and the Irish Farmers' Association.
Comment on this
Is there sufficient seed wheat available in the country at present to meet the demand?
Comment on this
There are difficulties in relation to the amount of seed wheat available for spring sowing. I think this arose in discussions I had on 6 February with millers, growers and seed importers. Every effort was being made by them to get agreement, which they did on 9 February, to go out to secure sufficient seed in Europe where they expected it would be available.
Comment on this
It would depend on the demand. Last year it was 5,800 tons but as the Deputy will be aware from the figure given, the 70,000 acres of winter wheat doubled compared with last year.
Comment on this
Sorry, I was not finished. It would depend on the demand from farmers for spring wheat sowing. The growers, farming organisations and millers had discussions with me on 6 February and on 9 February they agreed their prices and every effort was being made to secure sufficient seed to meet the demand.
Comment on this
Is the Minister satisfied that there is sufficient seed wheat to meet the demand for the 1981 crop?