asked the Minister for Agriculture the extent of the surveys being carried out with a view to the growing of fruit and vegetables for the new processing plants being set up by the Irish Sugar Company; what areas are being surveyed; and what criteria are being applied as to the suitability for the growing of fruit and vegetables of these areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Growing of Fruit and Vegetables.
52.
I have no function in the management of the processing plants operated by Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann, and the matter of arranging for supplies of fruit and vegetables is one for the company. I understand, however, that, in determining the best areas for the growing of fruit and vegetables, the company has regard to the following factors: (a) suitability of soil and climatic conditions; (b) previous experience by farmers of the crops or similar crops; (c) adaptability of farmers to new crops and new methods, and (d) availability of sufficient tillage area to ensure that the same crop is not repeated too often, so as to avoid the build up of diseases and pests.