Gerard C. Connolly
Question:34 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has for the further development of the potato industry in Ireland. [3484/95]
Written Answers. - Potato Industry Development.
Proposed grant assistance amounting to £3.75 million has been approved for the potato sector under the Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry, 1994-1999, which is funded jointly by the State and the EU. The closing date for receipt of applications under the scheme of investment aid for the sector was 10 February 1995. Over 300 applications for assistance have been received.
Aid is available mainly for the provision of new storage, the insulation and ventilation of existing storage, and for the purchase of storage handling equipment.
Aid is also available for the potato sector under Council Regulation (EEC) No. 866/90 in respect of projects designed to improve the processing and marketing of agricultural products. Under this scheme 17 projects were approved in the period 1990-1994 involving total investment of over £9 million. A number of further projects have been received for consideration for aid in 1995.
The additional and improved storage capacity and handling facilities being provided under both of these schemes should enable producers to reduce losses, improve potato quality and to extend the marketing season for the Irish potato crop thereby reducing our dependence on imports and improving returns to the primary producers.