Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept that and I thank the Minister of State for his reply. Potato yield has decreased by 7.9% since 2015, even though the area under potatoes has increased by 6.1%. There is, therefore, an issue in this regard. According to French research, copper-based fungicides common in organic farming can be toxic to earthworms but this is not applicable to Irish soil and I welcome the Minister of State's comment that members states have the capacity to determine their own future on this issue. Bord Bia's Pathways for Growth report refers to Ireland's enviable position in respect of growing potatoes. The Minister of State will agree that it is essential for the economic well-being of rural Ireland that we retain the capacity to serve the customers have been identified in this report and it is also essential that copper can be used safely in our blight favouring climatic conditions. It will thus become an important option in the toolbox of organic and conventional farmers as we work towards fulfilling market demand.

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