Written answers

Tuesday, 27 June 2006

Department of Agriculture and Food

Cereal Sector

11:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 405: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the future of cereal growing here; her plans to develop and expand in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24986/06]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The year 2005 marks one of the most significant developments in the recent history of Irish farming — as policy shifts from production supports to the decoupled Single Payment Scheme. The new CAP regime will allow greater freedom to farm, giving many producers the opportunity to tailor their enterprises to meet consumer and market demand and to reflect their own strengths, individual preferences and aspirations. Under the reformed CAP, Irish cereal farmers will have the cushion of the single farm payment decoupled from production as and from 1st January 2005, and will be able to concentrate on supplying markets, focussing on minimising production costs and maximising their incomes. Improved efficiency of production at farm level will be important to maintain incomes, and to ensure that the volume of output is maintained to support the processing sector.

Early indications for the 2006 harvest show that the yield potential of spring barley will be moderate, while the area sown to winter wheat is down on last year. Nevertheless, I am confident that total production from this year's harvest will be satisfactory and will be close to the recent average of 2 million tonnes.

The maintenance of an efficient and viable cereals sector is of the utmost importance. In addition to providing an income for growers, it provides the livestock sector with an important source of feedingstuffs. It is desirable to maintain the current level of production in order to avoid over dependence on imported grain and I am satisfied that, subject to weather conditions, future production will continue at the 2 million tonne average.

My Department continues to operate a range of services aimed at improving the efficiency, quality and viability of cereal production. These services include seed certification, seed testing, recommended lists of varieties etc. In addition, Teagasc provides comprehensive research, training and advisory services for cereal producers. The value of all these support services is reflected in the fact that Irish cereal producers have consistently achieved some of the highest yields in the world and I am satisfied the outlook for cereal growing in Ireland is quite positive and Irish cereal producers are well positioned to meet the competitive challenges ahead.

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