James Leonard
Question:61 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has investigated the possibilities for industrial outlets for tillage crops.
Written Answers. - Tillage Crops.
The recent reform of the Common Agricultural Policy makes provision for land to be set aside in the arable sector. Subject to certain conditions this land may be used to grow tillage crops provided that they are used for non-food purposes. Such uses would include the manufacture of bio-diesel or ethanol.
TheProgramme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997 indicated that the use of appropriate alternative energy sources will be promoted. In that regard, I am anxious to see some developments in this country in bio-fuel production which may afford growers an outlet for crops grown on set-aside land. Research is being undertaken by Teagasc on the possibilities of utilising tillage crops in the manufacture of transport bio-fuels. The Department of Transport, Energy and Communications has a function in relation to alternative fuels. The Minister of State at that Department, Deputy Noel Treacy, with the support of the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Deputy Liam Hyland, has recently set up a committee which will consider the potential for energy use of biomass including bio-fuels. My Department and Teagasc are representated on the committee, which I hope will issue an early report.