Billy Timmins
Question:164 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures he has put in place to assist farmers who experienced weather difficulties in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18596/02]
Written Answers. - Crop Losses.
I have taken a series of weather related initiatives in support of farmers. These include: I obtained a derogation from the EU Commission to allow set-aside land to be used for animal feed purposes on farms where 33% or more of the land has been flooded; I arranged for Teagasc to provide an intensive advisory service, both general and one to one; In co-operation with my colleague Deputy Mary Coughlan, Minister for Social and Family Affairs, I arranged that the farm assist scheme take account of the situation faced by farmers; I obtained EU Commission approval to bring forward the payment of 50% of arable aid due to cereal farmers to 16 October; and I obtained an increase in the rate of advance payments made on cattle premia from 60% to 80% with effect from 16 October.
I have also put great emphasis on improving market supports. Over the summer period, I succeeded in strengthening the market supports system within the milk sector aimed at addressing the market weakness which prevailed at the time. Furthermore, I recently announced a substantial improvement in the beef export refund rate for Egypt aimed at the specific requirements for that market. In these circumstances, I have no plans to introduce an aid package.