Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2005
19 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that potato-grower numbers have declined from 956 in 2000 to 700 in 2004; that vegetable-grower numbers have halved in the past five years alone; that 385 acres of tomatoes were grown in 1980 compared to only 50 acres now; and her plans to reverse these declines. [1944/05]
View answerOne of the notable features of horticulture and potato production in recent years has been a continuing decline in the number of growers and an increasing concentration of production in the hands of large scale producers. Despite the decline in grower numbers however output value has continued to increase, with the value of vegetable production increasing from €43 million in 1999 to €49 million in 2003. The output value of tomatoes increased by €4 million over the same period. Production and output value of potatoes has also remained relatively stable during the past five years, despite the fall in grower numbers.
Producers in the sector have met major challenges in marketing their product in recent times, with supply chains being reorganised and restructured to shorten the route from field to the shelf. This has necessitated major investment at producer and pre-packer level to upgrade production, packing and storage facilities to ensure that product reaches the retail outlet in prime condition.
My Department has made a significant contribution towards the development of the horticulture and potato sectors through the grant aid schemes for capital investment on farms and for marketing and processing under the national development plan. Since 2001, an amount of €9 million has been paid to producers to upgrade their facilities, while a further €10 million has been paid or approved under the marketing and processing scheme. Earlier this week my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, announced a further €3.6 million grant package for horticulture producers. This will fund projects in commercial horticulture to the value of over €10 million for projects completed in 2005.
Horticulture makes a very significant contribution to the rural and national economy and this is recognised by my Department in the level of support provided to the sector which I hope to continue into the future.
