asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will investigate the possibility of developing an export trade in seed potatoes for growers in North Kerry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Seed Potato Exports.
In response to representations made to me last season regarding the production of certified seed potatoes in North Kerry, an officer of my Department visited the district and advised interested growers as to the conditions governing the certification of the crops and the product. As a result of the officer's visit, arrangements were made for the growers to obtain a supply of stock seed and some ten acres were planted and subsequently accepted for certification under the Department's seed potato certification scheme. If other growers in the district wish to engage in seed production I shall be pleased to arrange for the provision of advice and help.
It will be appreciated, of course, that a considerable expansion in the acreage under certified seed would be necessary before a direct export trade would become a practicable proposition.