Vol. 474 No. 4
82 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to further encourage the use of set-aside land for the production of non-food crops, including bio-fuel crops; the progress, if any, which has been made in identifying new markets for such crops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3169/97]
I am anxious to encourage the growing of crops for non-food purposes, including bio-fuel crops for the production of energy. Many such crops can be grown on set-aside land without the loss of the set-aside premium. In 1996, 73 farmers — two more than in 1995 — undertook to grow a non-food crop on set-aside land. These farmers have secured markets in the pharmaceutical industry for their crops, and I hope to see an expansion of this activity in the future.
In order to help in the development of this activity, Teagasc have an ongoing research programme in the area and have my full support in this work.
