asked the Minister for Agriculture if, having regard to the great importance, both to potato growing at home and to the country as a valuable export, of the business of growing certified seed potatoes, he will give an assurance to growers that they may safely embark on the production of these crops this year, in spite of the increasing cost of production and the fact that all of last season's crop has not been cleared.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Seed Potatoes.
Mr. Walsh
As the seed potato season has not yet closed it is too early to take a discouraging view of it. The bulk of our seed potatoes are sold on the export market—a market over which we have no control. It is, therefore, impossible to give an assurance in advance as to the demand on that market next year or as to prices.
Irish grown certified seed has now achieved a high reputation in foreign markets and I feel sure that the skilled Donegal producers with their usual enterprise will continue to maintain a supply of good quality seed potatoes for which there is always a demand.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that considerable quantities of certified seed potatoes are still left in the hands of growers in County Donegal, and, if so, if he will indicate what the possibilities are of these being disposed of at remunerative prices.
Mr. Walsh
I am aware that there is a quantity of seed potatoes still on hands of growers in Donegal but the quantity is small in relation to that already shipped.
Although there are still some shipments to take place the finding of an export market for the balance of seed on hands is presenting difficulty. The Irish Potato Marketing Company is still endeavouring to place seed. I am hopeful that their efforts will meet with success, and that at the end of the season growers will find their average returns satisfactory.