asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total acreage of agricultural land devoted to horticulture; of this, the total area under glass; the measures, if any, which are planned to increase both the overall acreage devoted to horticulture and specifically the area under glass; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Horticultural Production.
14.
The total acreage devoted to horticulture including potatoes in 1988 was about 95,000, of which 900 acres related to glasshouse crops.
The Government are strongly committed to the development of the horticulture industry. I would refer the Deputy to the Programme for the Development of Horticulture which was published by An Bord Glas in November last, copies of which were sent to all Deputies and are also available in the Oireachtas Library. This programme sets out details of a five-year plan aimed at developing the potential of horticulture. The targets for the industry are a combined domestic market share recovery and export expansion of £58 million and the creation of 1,750 full-time and 1,500 part-time jobs. I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the breakdown of these targets.
The following is the statement:—
|
Value |
Employment |
|
|
Field Vegetables |
£4.0m |
200 |
|
Fruit |
£3.0m |
150 |
|
Hardy Nursery Stock |
£7.0m |
400 |
|
Mushrooms |
£20.0m |
400 + 1,500 part-time |
|
Potatoes |
£10.0m |
250 |
|
Processed Vegetables |
£6.0m |
150 |
|
Protected Crops |
£8.0m |
200 |
|
Total |
£58.0m |
1,750 + 1,500 part-time |
With regard to a specific query in the question from the Deputy I can tell him that, subject to the approval of the EC, it is proposed to introduce from 1 April 1989 a 25 per cent grant scheme for the replacement and renewal of greenhouses and to avail of natural gas as recommended in the programme.
I welcome the Minister's reply in so far as he states that a programme has been drawn up. Nevertheless, at this time, would the Minister agree that the progress is a bit slow? The latest figure for the importation of vegetables and fruit, May 1988, was 453,506 tonnes valued at £187.9 million. In view of the fact that we have land capable of growing these products and have established An Bord Glas, would the Minister not say what the target is? By how much within the next 12 months is it proposed to increase the number of jobs or to create jobs in the horticultural business?
Contrary to what the Deputy might say, it is estimated that 1989 will see a 7 per cent increase in both production and value in the horticultural sector. The estimated value of horticulture in 1989 is £140 million. We estimate that 350 full-time jobs were created in the sector in 1988.
I seem to recollect that 18 months or more ago the Government indicated their commitment to the horticultural industry by confirming that they were to establish An Bord Glas on a statutory basis. I asked about that legislation a number of times. What happened to it? Why was it not produced? Have the Government decided they have not the commitment they pretended to have? What amount was provided in last year's Estimates for An Bord Glas and what amount was actually expended?
The figure provided in the Estimates was £168,000 and naturally all that money was spent on the work of An Bord Glas. Legislation for the merger of ACOT and AFT and the debate about the establishment of Teagasc posed difficulties in relation to the legislation for An Bord Glas. The matter is still under consideration by the Government.
That is where it will be, I suppose.
In view of the outstanding success of the mushroom growing industry, particularly in my constituency, would the Minister agree that since so many people are entering this industry it needs to be monitored carefully lest people who made a major investment in the early years find there is over-production in the years to come?
There is an ongoing process of monitoring the rapid expansion in mushroom growing. We are particularly happy with the marketing strategy and we are getting premium prices for top quality produce in the British market. The expansion into areas such as Counties Mayo, Galway and Roscommon in recent times is much appreciated. In areas of small farm holdings, mushroom growing is a useful economic project, especially on holdings which are at best marginal or in some cases uneconomic.
To what extent are the necessary research, advisory, educational and development services available to the industry, having regard to the expansion programme which the Minister has outlined?
The area of research, advice and education is the responsibility of Teagasc, who are doing a useful and worthwhile job and contributing in their own way to the expansion of the industry.
Is the Minister aware of the concern of small growers about a takeover of the vegetable industry by monopoly interests? In my area at least four or five growers who have been doing fairly well are afraid of a monopoly takeover by FII. Is the Minister aware of such a development and how does he propose to counter it? They would be importers of vegetables.
I am glad the Deputy asked that question. We have set out a strategy to get as many growers as possible into producer groups and I would ask the Deputy to use his influence to encourage growers to involve themselves in such producer groups. We have no ideological hang up about it. If growers are prepared to come to a satisfactory working arrangement with wholesalers in their area, we are quite prepared to help and encourage them.
I refer to the question raised by Deputy Leonard and the Minister's reply. I have a keen interest in this matter because of the various areas in which mushroom growing is now an enterprise. The Minister failed to mention Donegal. I wish him to put on record that Donegal is incorporated in his overall plan and that he is aware of the extensive development currently taking place there.
I apologise for omitting County Donegal. I was simply taking the other counties as an example of the kind of expansion which has taken place. I fully agree there is a very worthwhile and welcome development in Donegal, where we are looking forward to a rapid expansion.
Donegal is a natural progression from Cavan-Monaghan.
My county of Meath was not included. A large investment is being made in horticulture in east Meath. When will details be announced of the 25 per cent grant scheme and will all mushroom growers qualify?
No. That grant scheme relates to the glasshouse sector and we intend to have it up and running by 1 April, subject to the approval of the commission being forthcoming.