Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 6

Written Answers. - Set-Aside Land Use.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

53 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the percentage of set-aside land used for the production of non-food crops, including bio-fuel crops; the plans, if any, he has for the further development of such usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13787/96]

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

The area of land set-aside in 1995 was 33,300 hectares, of which 782 hectares, 2.35 per cent, were used for the production of non-food crops, such as oilseed rape.

I encourage the growing of crops for non-food purposes, including bio-fuel crops for the production of energy. Teagasc has an ongoing research programme in the use of bio-fuel crops. The objective of that programme is the further development of such usage, and Teagasc has my full support in that work. It should be noted that many bio-fuel crops can be grown on set-aside land without the loss of set-aside premium.