Vol. 460 No. 6
70 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of acres under non-food crop cultivation; the proposals, if any, he has to further increase the acreage under such cultivation and to increase the funding provided for research into such cultivation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1853/96]
The amount of set-aside land under non-food crop cultivation, other than forestry, is 844 hectares. I am anxious to encourage the use of non-food farm crops to maximise the potential of our natural resources and enhance the rural economy.
The funding for Teagasc includes resources for advisory, training and research services. It is a matter for the body itself to deploy the available resources between these services, and to formulate the specific research programmes and projects for funding.
