Vol. 478 No. 2
41 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the percentage of set-aside land being used for the production of non-food crops in each year since the introduction of set-aside; the further proposals, if any, he has for increasing that percentage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10753/97]
Land set aside under the EU system of support for producers of arable crops may be used for production of a wide range of crops destined for non-food purposes subject to specific conditions. There is no limit on the amount of set-aside land which can be used for this purpose. The availability of this option has been publicised by my Department each year since the support system was introduced in 1993. Set-aside land which is used for this purpose is eligible for the normal set-aside payment, which at present is £347.13 per hectare. However, no set-aside payment applies if the crop grown is sugar beet. The only crop grown in Ireland under this system has been oilseed rape for use in the pharmaceutical industry. Details are as follows:
|
Total area of set-aside(Hectares) |
Used for non-Food Production(Hectares) |
Percentage |
|
|
1993 |
27,482 |
nil |
— |
|
1994 |
36,962 |
484 |
1.31 per cent |
|
1995 |
33,300 |
845 |
2.54 per cent |
|
1996 |
25,298 |
716 |
2.83 per cent |
