asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the delays in the acceptance of grain at mills and drying establishments last harvest, and of the resultant losses suffered by farmers, which were occasioned by the increase in sack hire charges, deterioration of the grain itself and the cost of storage; and if he will make funds available to reinstitute the activities of his Department under the Grain Storage (Loans) Act, 1951 to farmers' co-operative societies and grain companies to extend their drying and storage facilities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grain Drying and Storage Facilities.
38.
I am aware that there were some delays in the intake of grain during the harvest period, mainly because this year the heavy wheat and barley harvests largely overlapped.
So far as I am aware, the provision of drying and storage facilities has not been affected by the fact that no loans have been made under the Grain Storage (Loans) Act, 1951, for some time. Loans for these purposes are available from the Agricultural Credit Corporation, Ltd., to farmers' co-operative societies and grain companies. In addition, various grants are available to farmers under the Farm Buildings Scheme for storage accommodation.