asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is satisfied that the present policy of exporting barley and importing maize constitutes sound policy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Barley and Maize Export Policy.
30.
The decision to permit the export of barley, in exchange for coarse grain other than oats, was made in the expectation that our full requirements of coarse grain would be met from home sources. Experience has shown that charges for interest, storage and transport of native barley have added considerably to the price of feed, particularly in those areas where sufficient barley is not grown to meet local requirements. The export of barley from areas in which there are surplus supplies reduces the holding and transport charges and enables maize or other coarse grain to be imported at a later date at more convenient distribution points. In addition, limited quantities of maize are required for special rations. On the basis of present prices of barley and maize on the world market, the export/ import arrangement should result in the feeders in the non-barley growing areas obtaining their feed at a price less than the price of native barley when account is taken of the overhead charges on such barley.