asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has had any complaints about low sugar content in the 1976 beet crop; the reason for this drop; and if there has been any change in the testing procedure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sugar Beet Contract.
11.
I have received no complaints about low sugar content in the 1976 beet crop but I am informed by the Sugar Company that sugar content is below average this year, because of adverse weather conditions towards the end of the growing season. I understand that there has been no change in the testing procedure, which is supervised at the fartories by beet growers' representatives.
I am amazed to hear the Minister say he has had no complaints regarding this matter because there is grave concern among the farming community about the drop in the sugar content of beet. Allegations have been made by growers that there has been a change in the testing procedure. Will the Minister give the House more detailed information in this connection because the whole industry is concerned? I believe certain farmers have sent samples to England for testing.
The Deputy is aware that the farmers' representatives are always present at the intake points in the factories. They have not complained to the Department that there has been a change in the testing which has had adverse effects on them. I think it arises from the fact that there have been great difficulties in extracting sugar from the beet in the present year. This is because of exceptional weather conditions. A regrowth started when the rains came and when the beet was about ready to harvest. Some of the sugar went up into the leaves but it increased the yield and in this way the farmers are getting the benefit of increased yields. The sugar content dropped as the yield increased.
Is the Minister aware that the farmers have been complaining to the Sugar Company?
I have been aware of all the difficulties but I would point out that they are not confined to Ireland. England has experienced the same problems because of the weather conditions. It is not due to any fault of the Sugar Company or to any change in the testing process. Farmers can be assured of that. As from next year they are changing their methods of testing in Holland and they will pay only on extractable sugar. It is the farmers' own co-operatives who are processing because of the difficulty of putting on excess nitrogen.
The Minister should be aware of the concern of the farmers about this matter. There is a fear that if there is a high tonnage yield there will be a low sugar content. Farmers are not satisfied that there is a uniform system for testing the sugar content. I am not making any charges but I think the Minister should do all in his power to allay the fears of the farmers in connection with the testing this year.
The Deputy has said I should be aware of this matter. Of course I am aware but that is not the question I was asked. I was asked if I had received any complaints and I said I did not.
Will the Minister state what action he will take?
I am in continual touch with the Sugar Company for which I am now responsible. I know about the difficulties they are going through and I know also they can do nothing about them. It is entirely due to the weather.
The Minister is aware that the beet growers have representatives at the factories and that they check nearly every sample. In fact, those supervisors have been increased during the years and the beet growers are well protected by their own representatives at the factories.
I am calling Question No. 12.