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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Oct 1993

Vol. 435 No. 1

Written Answers. - Vegetable Growers' Weather Losses.

Martin Cullen

Ceist:

35 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the extent of potato and vegetable growers weather losses as outlined in a special Teagasc report; and his compensation proposals for the affected farmers.

A number of reports have been received from Teagasc regarding crop damage due to bad weather.

My Department is discussing this issue with the EC Commission which has been at pains to point out that there are only limited means available to the Commission to help producers who are faced with such difficulties. It was never the intention that Community funds be used to compensate for loss of income due to poor weather conditions which the Commission regard as a normal risk associated with the business of growing crops. In the case of annual crops the possibility of Community intervention is extremely limited.

The principal crop affected is potatoes. My information is that the bad weather has resulted in a general reduction in yields. On the other hand this reduction has been partly offset to date by substantially increased prices compared with last year. However, I can assure the Deputy that I am keeping the position under continuous review.

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