asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the present position in regard to the legislation on the grading standards, registration of packing premises and the licensing of exports in the vegetable sector, promised in paragraph 5.86 of the Third Programme for Economic and Social Development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Horticultural Industry.
39.
The position in regard to such legislation is now under further examination in relation to the arrangements which will be required for the application to this country of the standards of quality and grading for fruit and vegetables under EEC regulations.
Under our existing export licensing system arrangements have been in operation since early in 1970 whereby exporters of tomatoes, our principal export, are required as a condition of their export licences to comply with the grading standards required in the country to which tomatoes are exported. Officers of the Department inspect export consignments to see that they conform to the standards.
Is the Minister aware that the Government made a firm promise in the Third Programme to introduce this legislation? Can he explain why they have now gone back on that promise and, as a result, put the horticultural industry in this country at a disadvantage in so far as exporting is concerned without having commonly agreed grading standards which those who buy our horticultural produce can rely on?
This is to ignore completely the totally changed circumstances that we find ourselves in now with a totally new set of standards which we did not contemplate at that time. It is also to suppose that the Government have also abandoned the idea of introducing a grading system for fruit and this of course is not so. What has changed since the 10th May is the new standards that will have to be put into operation and their application in the new European situation.
Can the Minister tell me what was to prevent him now or at any time introducing legislation in regard to the registration of packing premises in the light of exports? Surely a grading system of the EEC does not prevent him from introducing such legislation as he promised in 1969?
I dealt with that question.
The Minister dealt with grading but not with licensing.
40.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if the substantial expansion fruit and vegetable output predicted in paragraph 28, Chapter 5 of the Third Programme for Economic and Social Development has taken place; and if he considers that the new measures of State assistance to producers referred to therein have been successful.
Subsequent to the publication of this programme in March, 1969, substantial expansion in the volume and value of horticultural crops, both glasshouse and field grown, took place. Due to marketing difficulties, there has been a temporary set back in the production of field crops for processing by Erin Foods but production of glasshouse and protected crops has continued to expand. In fact, last year tomato exports reached the record level of £828,000 and for the first time exceeded the value of off-season imports. In 1971 total exports of horticultural produce was £6.1 million as compared with £5.5 million in 1969.
Does the Minister consider that the facts have borne out the wisdom of the Government's policy on the promotion of field crops? Has there not been dismal failure?
It would be unwise, and worse than unwise, to try to create a spirit of despondency in the matter of providing field vegetable crops for processing. It is true that this branch of the vegetable industry encountered serious difficulties but they are being and can be overcome.
When the Government encourage something which turns out to be unwise is that not the greatest possible way to create despondency?
The worst trap one could fall into is to get the wind up.
The people who lost money know where the wind is blowing.
41.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the present position in regard to the promotional body for the horticultural industry referred to on page 27 of the booklet Main Activities of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries published in 1970.
A formal promotional body for the horticultural industry has not been established. The scheme of grants for horticultural purposes recently introduced provides grant aid towards the expenses of establishing bodies of horticultural producers on the lines of "producer groups" as envisaged under the EEC.
Would the Minister agree that producer groups could be supplemented by a promotional body along the lines I have suggested, and would he not agree it is rather odd that a matter which was being considered as far back as 1970 has not made any progress whatsoever?
I am not aware of any representations having been made. On the face of it, it would seem to be a desirable thing that there should be a promotional body but the best possible form this could take would be a body coming from the industry concerned. I am not aware that the industry has pushed very hard.
Did the Minister make any approaches to the promotional interests subsequent to the 1970 announcement?
As far as I know, certain meeting took place but I do not know their outcome.
42.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has taken any action in regard to the establishment of an export marketing board for horticultural goods.
No action has been taken in this regard.
Would the Minister agree that if he considers it desirable that a voluntary marketing board be set up for meat, he should also consider it desirable that a similar board be set up for horticulture, and why has he not taken action in this regard?
This arises from the previous question. My note tells me there is no record of anyone connected with the industry proposing the setting up of a marketing board for horticulture.
Would the Minister not agree that the horticultural industry expects leadership from him and that they do not expect him to be waiting for them? The Minister could at least make suggestions and initiate discussions.
I would be very glad to assist the industry in any way in which I could be of assistance.
43.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if the research announced in paragraph 5.91 of the Third Programme for Economic and Social Development into the efficiency of the marketing arrangements in the horticultural sector has taken place; whether he has received the results; and if he proposes to take any action thereon.
Research into the marketing of various horticultural produce, for instance strawberries, tomatoes and cauliflower, have been carried out by An Foras Talúntais. Reference to the work done will be found in the rural economy report of An Foras. In some instances the reports have been published and the findings and recommendations are available to the industry for adoption. Other work in this field is proceeding, such as a study of the tomato industry being carried out in association with the Irish Commercial Horticultural Association.
Is the Minister aware that one of the reports which would come under this heading was rather severe in criticising the Dublin Fruit Market, and would he consider what action he might take in regard to the findings in that report?
I have not seen the report.