asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that a firm has drastically reduced its carrot growing contract with farmers in County Roscommon this year; and, if so, whether in view of the fact that the production of this vegetable was encouraged by his Department as an alternative to the growing of seed potatoes he will take the necessary steps to offset the adverse effect this decision will have on the economy of the farmers concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Roscommon Carrot Growing Contract.
I am aware that the position is as stated in the first part of the question. I understand, however, that notwithstanding the reduction, the total acreage under carrots in County Roscommon this season will be considerably in excess of the 1952 figure.
Is not the Minister aware that the contract has been changed? The firm in question have decided to take only a limited quantity of carrots. Instead of the position adopted last year, where a farmer would grow a rood of carrots producing nine tons, this year the firm has decided to take only two and a half tons of that rood of carrots. Will the Minister look into the matter?
Mr. Walsh
We have no control over it. We are not subsidising the production of carrots.
Is the Minister aware that that locality was well known for the production of seed potatoes and that this was an alternative?
Mr. Walsh
It was. Of course, we have given them grants to purchasefruit plants as an alternative to the seed potatoes and then Batchelors came along and offered contracts for the production of carrots. That is outside our scheme completely. It has nothing whatever to do with us.
Is the Minister aware that the firm I mentioned are preparing a scheme for the growing of carrots in County Kildare next year, instead of County Roscommon. Is he aware of that?
Mr. Walsh
I am glad that this year the acreage in Roscommon has gone up to 150 acres, in Offaly from 25 to 100 acres, and in Westmeath from 25 to 50.
Will the Minister consider buying up these carrots and putting them into cold storage in case of a general election?
Mr. Walsh
There will be no scarcity.