Vol. 556 No. 5
114 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans for the development and expansion of the fruit and vegetable industry; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties experienced by growers in 2002; his plans to assist growers in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20997/02]
The fruit and vegetable industry has altered significantly in recent years. The role of the multiples has developed to the stage that they dominate the market in terms of sourcing the majority of product and setting the conditions for supply and distribution. Growers have had to respond to this change by investing in more efficient methods of production, quality control and storage. My Department has made a sizeable contribution to these investments by growers in the past.
Assistance for continued investments in the sector is being provided through schemes operated under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. These will provide substantial funding to aid growers in improving production methods and meeting the high quality standards which the market demands. A total of €24.6 million has been allocated over that period for schemes of investment aid in the commercial horticulture and the potato sectors. In addition a total of €25 million has been allocated over this period under a capital investment scheme for marketing and processing of agricultural products, which includes horticultural and potato products. Investments grant-aided under these schemes will ensure that Irish produce continues to be sourced by the multiples by enabling growers to grow, harvest, pack and store product in a manner which maintains their competitiveness. They will also help to overcome problems of seasonality by extending the availability of product.
A separate scheme which aids producer organisations under EU regulations is also in operation, under which my Department encourages horticultural producers to come together to form groups with the aim of improving quality, concentrating supply and reducing costs of products while respecting environmental conditions. At present there are 17 recognised groups representing growers, with an estimated output in 2001 valued at €127 million. This is an important scheme in terms of satisfying the requirements of the multiples and my Department will continue to encourage its development.
