Tom Barry (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Haniotis for his presentation. He mentioned that agricultural prices are relatively high at present but that would not pertain to cereals. At the moment, cereal prices are such that cereal farming in Ireland is almost unsustainable. Our rainfall levels and climate mean that Septoria in wheat is becoming a problem. With the lack of pesticides on the market at present and with further regulations coming down the track in that regard, it is questionable whether we will be able to grow wheat in Ireland in future. This issue is of serious concern and I ask the witnesses to give their views on it.