P. J. Sheehan
Question:3 Mr. Sheehan asked the Taoiseach the total tonnage of vegetables imported during the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2000; and the approximate tonnage of each variety imported. [3989/01]
Ceisteanna–Questions. - Vegetable Imports.
The most up to date data available on the tonnage of vegetables imported into Ireland is from 1 January 2000 to 30 September 2000, inclusive. The following table identifies the main varieties of vegetables imported together with the corresponding tonnage for the year 1999.
|
Imports of Vegetables |
1999 |
Jan-Sept. 2000 |
|
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
|
|
Fresh potatoes |
37,130 |
31,504 |
|
Frozen potatoes |
65,392 |
49,190 |
|
Other potatoes |
5,003 |
4,826 |
|
Peas and beans |
23,195 |
19,087 |
|
Tomatoes |
26,728 |
21,246 |
|
Onions |
27,167 |
18,395 |
|
Cabbage |
15,219 |
8,376 |
|
Lettuce and chicory |
6,870 |
4,868 |
|
Carrots and turnips |
13,089 |
11,473 |
|
Mushrooms |
459 |
336 |
|
Frozen vegetables |
31,018 |
19,423 |
|
Other vegetables |
47,104 |
36,873 |
|
Total |
298,374 |
225,597 |
The total tonnage in the nine months to 30 September 2000 is 225,000 compared with 298,000 in 1999. The main categories are fresh potatoes, frozen potatoes, tomatoes and frozen vegetables. They mainly come from Great Britain, Netherlands, Spain and Northern Ireland.
It is alarming that we are importing 225,000 tonnes of vegetables. This country has the best climatic conditions in the world for growing vegetables. That is especially the case in my constituency and in south west Kerry where the warm waters of the Gulf Stream lap the coastline. We never get frost or snow. It is one of the best vegetable growing regions in Europe but we still import that huge amount of vegetables. Something must be done to promote vegetable cultivation in this country. Can the Minister of State provide a copy of the statistical breakdown?
I will be happy to give the Deputy a copy of the breakdown. I do not know if he is advocating a return to compulsory tillage policies. He is correct that the figures are fascinating and there are high levels of imports. However, it is an open market.
I agree with Deputy Sheehan that the statistics are embarrassing for any Department. Do the categories of vegetable imports outlined by the Minister of State include sub-categories on organic production? The importation of organic produce is even more embarrassing than that of conventional vegetables. Are such imports included in the statistics or do we have to go further to find that information?
The Deputy will have to go further to find that information.
Does the Minister of State have the figures?
No.
Are these not real vegetables?
What is the value of the imports?
That depends on who is buying and selling.
What is the cost of vegetable imports?
That was not included in the question so I do not have the information. I can get the information for the Deputy.
The Deputy can table another question on that matter.