James Leonard
Ceist:58 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has for the growing of cereals for industrial uses in view of the limitation on cereal production for feed.
Written Answers. - Cereal Production.
The use of set-aside land for growing crops for nonfood purposes is permitted under EU regulations. The availability of this option has been explained to farmers in publications and explanatory leaflets on the arable area aid schemes which were introduced in 1993 as part of the CAP reforms. Officials of my Department have had discussions with a number of companies which are interested in pursuing the matter.
The growing of crops for industrial purposes, of course, offers an opportunity to make some productive use of set-aside land and accordingly I would encourage activities of this nature.