Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the potato crop has been negatively affected by weather conditions in the current year; if he will intercede with the European authorities and the banking sector with a view to ensuring the survival of the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40644/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Potato yields have suffered due to the very wet weather over the summer period. In addition, quality has also been negatively affected. There are significant problems with blight in this year’s crops due to high disease pressure coupled with grower’s inability to spray at the appropriate times during the severe wet weather. In many cases harvested potatoes are also showing signs of rot and other wet weather conditions. Increased production costs associated with the poor weather and rising input costs for growers will have to be carried by a significantly lower marketable yield.

These poor yields are being offset somewhat by higher prices. In addition, improved weather has provided good harvesting opportunities over recent days. Unfortunately, the EU Commission does not provide funding to compensate for losses that arise due to this type of adverse weather conditions. My Department and other State agencies will continue to work with potato growers and the industry to ensure the long-term viability of the sector.