Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the effect the bad weather of 2012 has had on the potato and horticultural industry; the steps he proposes to take to assist the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48276/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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2012 was a very difficult year for the production of potato and horticultural crops. The very wet weather during the summer months led to significantly reduced yields and poorer quality. The effects of this will continue through into 2013. The poor weather also led to higher disease pressures and higher costs.

In relation to vegetables, there were also negative impacts on the planting of certain crops.

The lower yields were offset to some extent by higher prices as the wet weather also affected producers across Western Europe. This was particularly so in the case of potatoes where prices have been more than double those of 2011.

Assistance for the industry

Unfortunately, the EU Commission does not provide funding to compensate for losses that arise due to the adverse weather conditions experienced this summer and due to the financial crisis the Irish Exchequer is not in a position to assist either.

However my Department expects to provide over €3m in grant aid directly to horticultural growers this year to assist development of the industry under the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. This competitive grant aid scheme, which covers all areas of the horticultural industry, is 100% State funded under the National Development Plan (2007-2013).

My Department and the other State agencies will continue to work with potato growers and the horticultural industry to ensure the long-term viability of both sectors.