Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 55: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the impact scarce seed supplies are having on farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30087/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The high grain prices experienced across the world have resulted in an increased interest in sowing cereals. In addition the very good autumn weather has encouraged farmers to plant winter crops instead of waiting till the spring. 2007 was a difficult year for producing seed in Ireland, because of the very wet summer. In response to this a derogation was obtained from the EU Commission to allow for the marketing of wheat seed at a lower germination rate of 80% as compared to the normal 85%. However, the Seed Trade chose not to avail of this. Preliminary information indicates that winter plantings are expected to be up around 30% to 118,000 ha from 90,000 ha planted in 2006. This increase was enabled through higher imports (1,500 tonnes as compared to 324 tonnes in 2006). and the planting of 2,500 tonne of spring oats seed. The availability of seed for spring planting will be tight. The amount of barley and wheat seed harvested from seed certification crops was 10% less than last year. This may not necessarily result in a 10% decline in seed availability as in each year the Seed Companies have flexibility in deciding how much of the seed that is harvested enters the Certification Scheme. In addition it is known that companies are making enquiries as regards importing seed from the UK. Seed prices are on average €100 a tonne or 15% higher than last year.