Vol. 524 No. 6
140 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the incentives he will make available to young farmers and small quota holders to help them avail of quota under the sugar beet restructuring scheme; if he will outline details of the schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23374/00]
The allocation of sugar beet contracts is a matter for Irish Sugar plc. I understand that under a contract restructuring scheme agreed recently between the company and the IFA, provision is being made for retiring growers to surrender their contracts. This will provide some unused contract tonnage for existing growers to expand production and for new growers and young farmers to enter the sector. Those eligible should apply to the company. It would not be appropriate for me to interfere in any way in the negotiated arrangements which have been drawn up after long discussions between the parties concerned.
