asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that a large proportion of the crops of home-grown apples is lost because of storage difficulties; and whether, in view of this, he will consider providing suitable storage for the apple surplus, thus ensuring to producers a safe market, while also giving them an incentive to produce.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home-grown Apples.
I am not aware that a large proportion of the crops of home-grown apples is lost because of storage difficulties. The Deputy is no doubt aware that, under the farm buildings scheme, producers may obtain grants towards the cost of providing stores for their apples. Particulars of these grants can be had on application to my Department.
Perhaps I have phrased my question wrongly? Might I ask the Minister if he is aware that a number of farmers in the West of Ireland cannot find a market for their apples? I am suggesting that the State should consider providing suitable storage for the apple surplus so as to encourage producers to grow the crop. The apples are already being fed to pigs.
It is very difficult to find a profitable market for certain varieties of apples. As a result of that, growers do not take very much interest in the preservation of the crop itself. I am sure that this is a subject to which a great deal of attention and thought has been given. It is not easy to find a solution for it.