Vol. 536 No. 3
95 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans he has for the distribution of the remaining 11.5 million gallons of milk negotiated in the Agenda 2000 negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14049/01]
I have already indicated that, notwithstanding the fact that there was no legal obligation on me to do so, I would see what could be done for certain categories of development farmers in the context of the allocation of the additional 11.5 million gallons of quota available under Agenda 2000.
In view of the quota difficulties arising for many producers from the foot and mouth disease restrictions I am now adopting a prudent approach on the definitive allocation of the 11.5 million gallons. My Department is preparing a scheme which will make quota available on a temporary basis to certain producers who find themselves under serious quota pressure as a result of the FMD restrictions on animal movement. Strict criteria will apply to these allocations.
I have, however, decided to proceed with a permanent allocation of 1,300 gallons of quota to younger farmers from the Agenda 2000 quota. This will be allocated to producers who benefited from the five million gallons scheme, which operated last year and will bring the total allocation of the majority in this group of producers up to 3,000 gallons each from the Agenda 2000 agreement.
The permanent allocation of the remainder of the 11.5 million gallons will be made when I have completed legal consultations on the possibilities open to me. I am looking, in that context, at what can be done for certain categories of development farmers.
