John Bruton
Question:67 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that cereal growers are experiencing due to bad weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25719/02]
Written Answers. - Crop Losses.
I have taken a series of weather related initiatives in support of farmers, including cereal farmers. These include the following; 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; I obtained an increase in the rate of advance payments made on cattle premia from 60% to 80% with effect from 16 October; I announced a 40% voluntary set-aside rate for the current planting season and I asked the EU Commission to take action to deal with cheap cereals imports entering the Community from the Black Sea region.