asked the Minister for Agriculture the progress which has been made in the matter of import substitution of fruit and vegetables.
317.
Written Answers. - Import Substitution.
316.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the steps he is taking to encourage the import substitution of vegetables, potatoes and fruit.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 317 together.
Imports of fresh vegetables of the type grown in this country dropped from 124,000 tonnes in 1982 to 69,000 in 1983, the main reduction being in potatoes. Efforts are being continued by my Department, An Foras Talúntais and An Comhairle Oiliúna Talmhaíochta (ACOT) in conjunction with the growers' organisations to seek ways of further reducing imports by the application of new production technology and the improvement of marketing arrangements. Imports of apples, the main fruit grown in this country, continue to increase. Progress in this area will be slower as it would require the plantation of new orchards which take some years to reach commercial production.
The precise opportunities for import substitution have been identified in the report of the interdepartmental committee on food imports. The framework for progress exists in the financial inducements provided by my Department such as the aid towards the formation of a national co-operative for potatoes; aid for market co-ordination for glasshouse crops, and aid for setting up producer groups in the general fruit and vegetable sectors. The scope for progress and expansion exists and it is a matter for growers and other interests in the industry to exploit these opportunities and avail of the supports so as to reduce unnecessary imports.