asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has any proposals to provide incentives for the increased production of beans in this country which provides a great opportunity to replace the massive importation of soya beans for the necessary protein supplement to natural feedstuffs; in particular, the plans there are for encouraging proper drying facilities in view of the proven successful production of beans by Irish farmers in recent years and the good profit margins that are available by reason of the EC subsidy of £122 per ton due to the undersupply of protein-producing crops in the European Community presently; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Incentives for the Production of Beans.
31.
Mr. Cowen
EC Regulations do not allow for the provision of national incentives in addition to the existing Community scheme of aid to encourage the production of peas and beans. The objective of the EC scheme is to promote the production of protein crops to replace imports from third countries. With the aid provided under the scheme, it has been demonstrated that, with good husbandry and management, peas and beans can be an attractive alternative cash crop. Adequate drying facilities for the crop are already available.