asked the Minister for Agriculture in view of the continuing increase in imports of grass seed and the increased demand for it in this country the steps he proposes to take to increase home production.
Written Answers. - Grass Seed Production.
326.
A successful promotion campaign in 1982, involving my Department and agricultural interests and the favourable weather conditions in 1983 resulted in a substantial increase in our 1983 production of grass seed. The situation was also helped by the EEC production aid which is paid on certified seed to enable Community production to compete with imports from third countries.
An important factor in maintaining competitiveness in this sector is the availability of suitable Irish varieties and An Foras Talúntais which is responsible for breeding grass varieties will continue its research in this area.