asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware (a) that the price paid to growers of certified seed and ware potatoes in County Wexford is inadequate in view of the expense incurred in the sowing of the crop and its preparation for market; (b) that the prices being paid for seed and ware or table potatoes are much in excess of the price paid to County Wexford growers, and (c) that County Wexford growers will not enter into future contracts unless an improvement in price is given; and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford Potato Growers.
Mr. Walsh
I presume that the Deputy's question refers to the export trade in seed and ware potatoes. The prices paid to growers depend upon the prices realised for the produce in foreign markets where keen competition has to be met from other potato exporting countries. The prices paid to County Wexford growers are based on the same f.o.b. price as for growers in other parts of the country. As regardsthe difference between the price paid to the grower and the f.o.b. price, the Deputy will appreciate that provision has to be made for the cost of the sacks and for handling and transport charges from the grower's district to the port of shipment, and also for loading and stowing costs. I am not aware of the contracts which County Wexford growers may have entered into, but growers in that county are, of course, free to dispose of their produce to the best advantage on the home market as they think fit.
Is the Minister satisfied that the price being paid to Wexford growers for these potatoes is adequate to compensate them for the care and expense involved in growing, grading and preparing these potatoes before the Departmental inspector passes them?
Mr. Walsh
That is quite another question. I do know that the Irish Potato Marketing Company have searched every market they could to get the best possible prices for potatoes and the price that is now being paid is based on the best possible prices they could get. In addition to that, I might say that it is an f.o.b. price in Dublin, and if Wexford growers cannot get the same price, it is due to the extra cost involved in transporting potatoes to Dublin.
Is the Minister aware that the price paid in Dublin is £2 to £3 more than is being paid to the Wexford growers?
Mr. Walsh
On the home market?
Yes.
Mr. Walsh
The Wexford growers are quite free to go into the home market.