Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 4

Written Answers. - Vegetable Growing Industry.

Ivan Yates

Question:

97 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps, if any, his Department will take to ensure that the survival and viability of vegetable growers in the south-east region will be preserved by continuing to sell to a large independent wholesale and retail group (details supplied) which is proposing to centralise purchases and effectively delist them despite any dissatisfaction in relation to price or quality; and the initiative, if any, he will take in this regard in view of the importance of this element of the vegetable growing industry. [2884/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I fully appreciate and understand the difficulties being experienced by certain vegetable growers. However, under the common organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables, member states of the EU are precluded from intervening in the marketplace.

I would encourage the establishment of producer groups in the light of the ongoing developments in the market. Advice and information in this regard may be obtained from Bord Glas.

The Deputy may be aware that recently I established a fund amounting to £1.5 million under the Operational Programme for Industrial Development with a view to providing assistance to the vegetable sector in respect of post harvest investments.

The closing date for receipt of applications under the scheme was 30 November 1998 and applications received are now being processed.