Neil T.C. Blaney
Ceist:169 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether the matters of alternative cropping and set-aside figure prominently in the planned list of priorities he hopes to deal with during his Presidency of the EC.
Written Answers. - EC Farming Proposals.
Climatic conditions and lack of the necessary processing infrastructure have inhibited the development of alternative cropping in Ireland. While this matter, therefore, does not figure as a major item in the list of priorities I have identified for our Presidency, I am, nevertheless, anxious to encourage the development of those alternative crops, notably certain protein crops for flax and hemp production, which are considered to offer the best prospects given our particular situation. Also, in the context of its Agricultural Price Proposals for 1990/91 the EC Commission is seeking to encourage the cultivation of minor grains (eg. canary seed, millet and buckwheat), as an alternative to the more widely grown cereals. I will, of course, be endeavouring to have these proposals adopted as part of the overall prices package for which I am hoping to have agreement by the end of March.
As regards set-aside, a general EC scheme has operated since December 1988, mainly in the cereals sector. A recent Commission report to Council envisages a further development of the existing measure, whereby farmers who set-aside at least 30 per cent of their arable land and sow at least 50 per cent of the "fallow" area with cereals for nonfood use, will qualify for Community aid.
To the extent that the Commission's most recent set-aside proposals contribute towards the promotion of rural development and environmental protection, they will enjoy my full support.