Vol. 481 No. 7
162 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will give details of the regulations for the growing of tobacco in this country; if it is necessary for growers to obtain a licence; if so, the way in which growers go about this; whether there is any other registration process; if there are any premium payments to, or any duty payable by, such growers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17195/97]
Production of raw tobacco in the EU is regulated by Regulation 2075/92 which established a common organisation of the market. The regulation provides, among other things, for a premium system to supplement the income of traditional producers, a maximum guaranteed quantity (MGQ) for the community, conversion premia and funding for research. This country is not a traditional producer of tobacco and does not have a MGQ. My Department does not operate a registration or licensing scheme and does not pay a premium for tobacco growing.
