asked the Minister for Agriculture the quantities of potatoes imported from Cyprus to date in 1980; the quantities imported in the same period last year; and if he has satisfied himself that these imports are not causing serious losses to Irish producers.
Written Answers. - Potato Supplies.
111.
While official figures are not yet available I understand that, to date, approximately 7,500 tonnes of potatoes have been imported from Cyprus this year. In the corresponding period last year some 1,480 tonnes were imported.
Current prices for Irish early potatoes are such that while most growers are making reasonable returns, profits are in some cases less than previous years. However, this year there has been a noticeable move away from harvesting low yielding immature crops and the increased yields obtained should have largely compensated growers for any drop in prices.
112.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the large quantities of potatoes still unsold in County Donegal; and in view of the collapse of the market all over Europe and the plight of Donegal farmers in being unable to dispose of surplus stock, the steps he proposes to take as a matter of urgency to alleviate their distress.
Notwithstanding the difficult potato market situation throughout much of Europe the quantity of potatoes remaining unsold in County Donegal at the end of May was less than the average at that time in recent years. I would expect that the quantity has been reduced further in the past few weeks. While it is impossible to forecast production levels at this stage of the season good quality potatoes which are properly presented should find a reasonable market in the new season.