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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 3

Written Answers. - Milk Quota.

Michael Ring

Question:

150 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his plans to allocate milk quota to small and medium-sized producers who do not qualify for quota as a young farmer and who do not qualify for quota under the farm modernisation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6686/02]

Additional quota will be made available to small and medium sized producers in a number of schemes in the coming year. These will continue a number of initiatives which I have implemented in recent years for the purpose of placing milk quota in the hands of committed dairy farmers at a reasonable cost. Almost 365 million litres of milk quota was reallocated permanently under the 2000-01 and 2001-02 milk quota restructuring schemes. Of this, 88% was allocated to small and medium-sized producers. I have already announced details of the 2002-03 restructuring scheme which has continued the trend of targeting quota towards small and medium sized producers.

The same priority criteria will apply to temporary leasing schemes to be operated by co-operatives in the next quota year which I also announced recently. In these schemes in 2000-01 and 2001-02, almost 90% of the quota has been allocated to small and medium-sized producers and a similar outcome can be expected in the coming year.

The maximum price for quota payable under both schemes has been reduced by a further 10%, thereby further improving the affordability of quota to smaller category producers. In addition to these special schemes, the milk quota appeals tribunal will continue to make recommendations to me on allocations from the national reserve to producers who have suffered severe hardship in the context of the milk quota regime. In considering the applications, the tribunal, among other factors, takes account of the applicants' quota size, farm size and commitment to dairying.

Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 148.

Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 142.

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