Vol. 466 No. 6
148 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the consideration, if any, that is being given to the applicability in this country of the concept of share farming as it operates in New Zealand and the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12145/96]
152 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the perceived benefits of the partnership system of farming; the consideration, if any, he has given to its applicability in this country as it operates in France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12150/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 152 together.
My Department welcomes and facilitates, where possible, the development of these concepts by Irish farmers. For example, these concepts have been applied to good effect for the development of farm forestry through the "farm forestry partnership scheme" operated by Coillte Teoranta.
The concept of share farming has a general aim of enabling and facilitating new entrants to farming. This aim is also promoted by a range of schemes operated by my Department, including the farm early retirement scheme as well as generous tax exemptions for long-term leasing by farmers. However, the direct application of these concepts to Irish farming in the same way as they have been developed in other countries is not always possible. For example, there may be some difficulties with applying share-milking, as operated in New Zealand, to Ireland. Milk production in Ireland, at producer level, is subject to the provisions of the EU milk quota regulations and the detailed national implementing rules. Any arrangement for the utilisation of an individual producer's milk quota must meet the requirements of all these regulations.
The responsibility for operating share farming and partnerships rests with farmers and my Department will continue to promote schemes aimed at encouraging new entrants into farming.
