Vegetable and tomato production support
The Minister cited reduced excise duty on fuel oil, investigation of natural gas as a cheaper energy source, and funding for a market co-ordinator for glasshouse crops. A Deputy said tomato imports and unused glasshouses showed that stronger action was needed.
asked the Minister for Agriculture his proposals to ensure that sufficient vegetables will be grown and marketed in this country in order to eliminate the massive import of such products.
15.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Agriculture his proposals to ensure that the growing of tomatoes in this country is made more attractive for Irish growers.
16.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the high energy costs in the horticultural industry; and his proposals to improve this situation.
Comment on this
I propose taking Questions Nos. 14 to 16, inclusive, together.
The horticultural industry already enjoys a concession in the rate of excise duty payable on the fuel oil it uses. Developments in the distribution of natural gas could provide an alternative and cheaper source of energy for the industry, and the possibilities in this connection are being looked into.
In the tomato sector, efforts are also being made to improve the marketing of the crop and I have agreed to give financial assistance to an initiative involving the employment of a market co-ordinator for glasshouse crops.
To meet the competition from imports during our own supply season, better organisation of the industry is needed. Producer groups can make a major contribution to achieving this, and aid is available from my Department towards the establishment of such groups.
I should add that an inter-departmental group is currently monitoring imports of all food products and horticultural products are one of the more important sectors being examined. Also I have recently re-appointed the Horticultural Development Group for a further three-year term. All of these various measures are designed to assist the various sectors of the horticultural industry and to help it to expand production and secure a greater share of the market.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that we are importing 6,000 tonnes of tomatoes at a value of approximately £5 million? The measures he has outlined in his reply are not adequate to meet that situation. This is a matter of urgency. Would the Minister deal with the situation facing the tomato growers, especially as many tomato houses are not in use?