Potato grading regulations
O’Keeffe asked about implementing grading rules; the Minister noted the large number of small producers and said the issue would be considered in the industry’s development plan.
Would the Minister deal with the regulations and the implementation of the legislation and the regulations in regard to grading?
Comment on this
The legislation of which the Deputy speaks was introduced by my predecessor, Depty Hegarty. We must consider this matter against the background of there being approximately 66,000 primary potato producers with approximately 61,000 to 62,000 growing less than a hectare of potatoes. Therefore, the Deputy will readily appreciate the difficulties encountered in that area. There are some producers who have registered but, naturally, we would be much happier were more to register. Within the context of the development plan for the industry we shall apply our minds to that aspect.