Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has had recent discussions with the IFA or the former sugar beet representatives from the Carlow or Mallow areas in relation to provision of alternatives to the sugar industry; and if there has been discussions with agencies or groups in relation to the proposed large bio-refinery plant to be located in the Carlow area or with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to this matter or other alternatives; if not, if she will hold discussions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2800/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Support for the development of an alternative industry to sugar processing is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the relevant state agencies.

Notwithstanding this and the fact that responsibility for the promotion and development of renewable energy rests with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, I did meet with the promoters and representatives of the IFA prior to the recent official launch of a bio-refinery project proposed for the South East.

In 2006 I participated in a Ministerial Task Force which agreed a National Bioenergy Action Plan. In accordance with this plan I subsequently launched a range of measures to stimulate the production of energy crops to complement measures on the demand side such as the major excise relief scheme introduced by the then Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

The measures introduced include a new National Energy Crop Premium of €80 per hectare, which is payable in addition to the EU premium available under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. I also launched a new Bioenergy Scheme in February 2007 to encourage farmers to grow willow and miscanthus for bioenergy purposes. Land used for growing energy crops can also benefit from the Single Payment. I had frequent meetings with farmers' representatives prior to the introduction of these measures.

With the introduction of the Single Payment, farmers now have the freedom to consider alternative land use options, while maintaining a degree of income stability. The buoyant market for biofuels and the introduction of new incentives at farm level has encouraged many farmers to consider agricultural production for non-food uses. Contact with the IFA and other farming groups in relation to non-food crops is continuing as required.