asked the Minister for Agriculture the action he is taking to reduce the vulnerability of Irish agriculture, arising from its dependence on large amounts of imported energy, fertiliser and protein feed.
Written Answers. - Vulnerability of Irish Agriculture.
352.
In the case of energy, my Department maintain close liaison with the Department of Energy on the question of ensuring a continuous supply for agricultural purposes. In times of restricted supply, agriculture and horticulture have been included among the essential services to be given a priority rating for supplies by that Department. In addition, my Department promote through leaflets, articles and the advisory services ways and means of conserving energy usage in agriculture. Farmers are also encouraged to have sufficient oil storage capacity to ensure an uninterrupted supply of oil during peak seasons.
On the horticulture side my Department were represented on a technical group set up by An Foras Talúntais to study the long-term energy needs of the glasshouse industry. The report of the group was published recently and is under consideration.
With regard to fertilisers, the country is now self-sufficient in the production of nitrogen but, as there are no deposits of either phosphorus or potassium here, it is necessary to import the raw materials for these fertilisers. Farmers are also being advised on the storage and most efficient use of farmyard manure including slurry.
Regarding protein feed, my Department operate EEC aid schemes to encourage production of feed such as dried grassmeal, peas and field beans for animal feed. The subsidies which are provided for the use of skim milk powder and liquid skim milk in animal feeds help to reduce dependence on imported protein feed.