asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the falling income for cereal growers and that this year the margins were extremely low with severe losses in some cases; if he is also aware of the indebtedness of cereal producers; the proposals he has to improve substantially incomes for these farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cereal Growers' Income.
36.
It is too early to make an accurate estimate as to the incomes and profit margins of cereal producers in 1986. It is recognised, however, that primarily because of weather conditions, 1985 and 1986 proved to be difficult years for certain Irish cereal producers.
EC regulations do not permit specific national measures to aid cereal producers' incomes. Protection for incomes is provided by the Community support system of intervention, import levies and export refunds.
A £200 million low interest loan scheme for farmers, operated through the ACC and the Associated Banks, was introduced in October 1986, which specifically caters for cereal producers in financial difficulties because of the bad weather in 1985 and 1986.