Bernard J. Durkan
Question:154 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which grain production has increased or decreased in the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29622/04]
View answerThursday, 18 November 2004
Questions (155)
Written answers
Production of cereals in Ireland has averaged about 2 million tonnes in recent years, with fluctuations in production being mainly attributable to weather conditions. The following are production figures over the past ten years:
|
Year |
|
|
1995 |
1.796 million tonnes |
|
1996 |
2.142 million tonnes |
|
1997 |
1.943 million tonnes |
|
1998 |
1.865 million tonnes |
|
1999 |
2.011 million tonnes |
|
2000 |
2.174 million tonnes |
|
2001 |
2.165 million tonnes |
|
2002 |
1.964 million tonnes |
|
2003 |
2.147 million tonnes |
|
2004 |
2.253 million tonnes — latest estimate |
It is desirable to maintain this level of production in order to avoid over dependence on imported grain and I am satisfied that, subject to weather conditions, production will continue at the 2 million tonne average.
Under the reformed CAP, Irish cereal farmers will have the cushion of the single farm payment decoupled from production as and from 1 January 2005, and will be able to concentrate on supplying markets, focusing on minimising production costs and maximising their incomes. Improved efficiency of production at farm level will be important to maintain incomes, and to ensure that the volume of output is maintained to support the processing sector.