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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Nov 1971

Vol. 257 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Soft Fruit Industry.

79.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he would make a statement on his plans for the future orderly marketing of fresh soft fruits on the home and export market.

80.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has considered the question of setting up a marketing board for soft fruits.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 80 together.

The greater part of the soft fruit crop is sold in bulk under arrangements between growers and home and British jam manufacturers and other processing firms. A small proportion is sold on the fresh market through normal trade channels.

The question of the arrangements to apply in the marketing of horticultural products in the context of EEC membership is at present under consideration in my Department. Under the EEC system the marketing and trade in most of these products will be subject to the prescribed grading standards of the Community both in the home and export trade. I hope to introduce appropriate enabling legislation at a later date with a view to the introduction of grading standards here.

Is the Minister aware of a paragraph in the most recent publication on agriculture in the EEC which states that there is very little hope for the survival of the strawberry industry under EEC conditions?

What publication?

The one issued a few days ago.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs.

I am not aware of that.

I suggest the Minister read that one paragraph. It will not take him long; there are only about eight lines. It writes the death knell of the soft fruit industry in this country.

I would not agree with the Deputy. The Deputy presupposes the inherent inefficiency of the soft fruit industry and the inherent inability of soft fruit producers——

I am only quoting what the Minister for Foreign Affairs said.

Given equal opportunities with other producers in Europe I think Irish producers of these commodities would be at least as efficient as their competitors.

I think they are efficient but the Minister thinks they are not.

In essence, it is a question of scale and efficiency and outlet markets as well.

The paragraph states that because of the weather the quality of the foreign fruit is better.

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