James Leonard
Question:116 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the steps which are being taken to encourage the production of grass as an alternative farm enterprise in view of the substantial imports.
Written Answers. - Grass Seed Production.
An EC scheme of financial aid for grass seed production continues to be available and is paid to Irish producers by my Department.
The advisory service of Teagasc has literature on husbandry aspects of grass seed production and is available to give guidance to growers as required.
In response to an indication from the grass seed industry of an interest in undertaking expansion, my Department have recently negotiated with the EC Commission to have investments in the development of grass seed production included in the scheme of FEOGA aid for processing and marketing of agricultural products. This scheme provides financial aid towards approved capital investments. Commercial interests now can put forward proposals within the framework of the scheme.