Hugh Byrne
Ceist:80 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the measures, if any, he proposes to take to assist the horticulture industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8415/97]
Written Answers. - Hoticulture Industry.
Member states are precluded by EU rules of competition from assisting the horticulture industry from State funds. However, horticulture qualifies for assistance under the Scheme of Grant-Aid for Investments in Commercial Horticulture which is part of the Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry (1994-1999). The farm improvement programme, which is now confined to horticulture, also provides grant-aid for specified investments as well as installation aid for young growers. The common organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables is operated through my Department and this includes assistance for producer organisations.
The processing and marketing sectors are specifically catered for under the FEOGA marketing and processing scheme.
Promotional activities for the sector are carried out by An Bord Glas and An Bord Bia while within Teagasc there are specialised units dealing with research and advisory services for horticulture.
Michael P. Kitt
Ceist:81 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Taoiseach the figures, if any, for the value of imports of cut flowers, household and ornamental plants in the last three years for which figures are available. [8478/97]
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows. The latest month for which data is available is October 1996.
Imports of cut flowers, household and ornamental plants.
|
Tonnes |
£000 |
|
|
1993 |
3,281 |
12,891 |
|
1994 |
3,054 |
13,605 |
|
1995 |
3,476 |
14,827 |
|
Jan-Oct 1996 |
3,533 |
13,337 |
Note: Overall, approximately 7 per cent of trade is unclassified by commodity. the unclassified trade includes low value transactions, parcel post, Shannon Free Airport Trade, and some intra-EU estimates.