Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 2

Written Answers. - Setaside Payments.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

11 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the total cost of setaside payments in 1995; the average amount received by farmers in respect of setaside; whether he has satisfied himself with the extent to which setaside land is used for the production of non-food crops; the plans, if any, he has to further increase such usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7738/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The total cost of setaside payments in 1995 was £11.5 million. As there were some 3,806 participants in the scheme in 1995 the average payment for setaside was about £3,000. I am anxious to encourage the growing of crops for non-food purposes including bio-mass crops for the production of energy. It should be noted that many such crops can be grown on setaside land without the loss of setaside premium.

In order to help in the development of this activity. Teagasc has an ongoing research programme in the area and has my full support in that work.