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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Nov 1972

Vol. 263 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Horticultural Producer Groups.

152.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the progress to date and action taken by his Department in relation to the formation of producer groups in the horticulture sector in accordance with EEC regulations.

153.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the setting up of the horticultural producers group, he will reconsider his attitude towards the establishment of a promotional body for horticultural exports.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.

EEC requirements in relation to producer groups in the horticultural sector have been discussed with the producer interests concerned by whom action for the formation of groups falls to be taken. Grants are available from my Department. The formation of a promotional body is also a matter for action by these interests and I have always favoured this.

Can the Minister tell us if any applications for grants for the setting-up of producer groups have been received and if any money has been paid out? Would the Minister also state, in view of the fact that his Department are prepared to pay money towards the promotion of beef exports, why he says that the promotion of horticultural exports is a matter for the trade?

The Deputy is comparing things that are not similar. It rests with the horticultural industry itself to form these producer groups. It is the best way and it is the way in which EEC regulations will be best complied with. I do not think it would be appropriate at this stage to introduce some kind of State-sponsored producer group. I do not think it would accord with EEC regulations. The other body the Deputy referred to was in existence at that time.

I asked the Minister two questions: I asked him if any applications for grants for producer groups has been received and I asked another question about promotional groups. I want to know why he will not set up a promotional body, similar to the CBF that was set up for meat.

The Deputy did not ask whether any grants had been paid.

Can the Minister state how many applications were received?

I am not aware of the situation with regard to applications for grants or the payment of such grants. However, I think it remains to the industry to form this group and I attempted to explain that. In the case of CBF, the farming organisations asked that a beef promotion body be set up by the Government. I do not think it would be appropriate on the eve of our entry into the EEC to take a similar line with regard to horticultural products. It would be more in conformity with the concept of the EEC for the industry to form producer groups.

Would the Minister not agree that this would leave the horticultural industry at a disadvantage?

I do not agree that is so. Since the horticultural industry is of a relatively small size—I do not say relatively small importance—it is not unreasonable to say that it should be an easily attainable objective to form a producer group.

154.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if any applications for aid for the formation of producer groups in the horticulture sector have yet been received in his Department; the date by which applications should be forwarded to the Commission if such groups are to receive grant aid as from the date of accession to the EEC; and if he will make a general statement on the progress of the scheme.

No application for such aid has so far been received. Horticultural producer groups do not receive grants direct from EEC but member countries may give them financial assistance during the first three years of their establishment and receive recoupment of up to 50 per cent of the aid given from EEC funds. It is understood that producers in different horticultural sectors are taking steps to organise groups and that applications for grant aid under the present scheme are likely to be made in due course.

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