Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 8

Written Answers. - Apple Growing Industry.

Austin Deasy

Question:

15 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will revive the apple growing industry as an alternative farming activity in areas such as County Waterford which are highly suitable for this activity; and if he will make significant financial inducements available. [5301/98]

Austin Deasy

Question:

18 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will ensure that a far greater area of apple orchards, over and above the ten hectares which is currently being allowed for the whole country for grubbing-up for grant aid from the EU under EC Regulation 2200/97, is allowed in order that commercial growers, who have had a disastrous couple of years, can utilise their lands for other purposes; and if he will draw up a scheme to enable commercial apple growers to stay in business in view of the huge losses they have suffered in recent years due to inclement weather. [5098/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 18 together.

Apples are covered under an EU common organisation of the market and are in surplus in the Community. Accordingly, we are precluded from aiding the planting of new orchards. Producers have benefited from grant-aid for storage, grading and specialised equipment under a number of co-funded schemes operated by my Department. Under the provisions of Council Regulation 2200/97 a once off premium can be paid for the grubbing up of 10,000 hectares of apple and pear orchards. The surface area to which this applies has been apportioned between member states on the basis of the orchard area, protection and withdrawals of each member state. Apple production in Ireland represents 0.07 per cent of Community production. It follows from our very low level of production that we will receive only a very small proportion of funding for any other scheme that the Community might introduce.

In addition I am seeking European Commission approval to make payments out of a fund, established for the purpose, to producers whose viability has been threatened by adverse weather conditions during 1997.