asked the Minister for Agriculture in view of the large quantities of apples imported and the encouraging results of trials of new varieties in this country, the steps he proposes to take to increase home production.
Written Answers. - Apple Production.
129.
While the market for apples has expanded substantially in the past decade, the expansion has largely been met by an increasing level of imports.
The problems of the apple industry were examined by the horticultural development group and one of the conclusions was that there is need to change to new varieties with good potential on the market. A number of new varieties are now available and I would urge growers to examine the question of changing to them in consultation with their ACOT advisers. There is also need to expand production and to organise marketing in a cohesive way so as to gain a greater influence in the market place. Some progress in the area of market organisation has in fact already been made through the formation of two producer groups with aid from my Department.