asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he expects to be in a position to announce the grain prices for 1966.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grain Prices.
140.
I hope to announce the prices for wheat and feeding barley early in the new year.
In view of the enormous reduction in the grain acreage in the past few years, and in view of the desirability of early ploughing, can the Parliamentary Secretary explain why this announcement is delayed every year to the point when the ploughing and arrangements for cropping should have long been finished? Is there any good reason why the decision is delayed every year?
It is generally felt that making this announcement in early January is in reasonable time. The date of the announcement has been brought forward quite considerably over the past three years. In 1963, the date was 25th February, in 1964 it was brought forward to 3rd February and this year it was on 20th January. We hope we will be able to advance it a little further next year. Progress is being made.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say why this announcement cannot be made after the harvest when farmers normally start ploughing?
Considerable details have to be gone into and a fair share of discussion is required. I am sure the Deputy is aware that it is not as easy as all that to come to a final decision regarding next year's crop.
What are the difficulties about deciding grain prices for next year when we know that we require so much grain?
It is only a question of price. That is a major consideration.
It is a major consideration for farmers planning their cropping.