Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 4

Written Answers. - Organic Farming.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

186 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has to establish an organic conversion information service here with a view to meeting the competitive challenge from the United Kingdom which recently announced increased resources for its organic conversion information service which is operated by the United Kingdom Soil Association and the Elm Park Research Centre on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18506/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Earlier this year an organic farming needs study was conducted by Teagasc. Its terms of reference were to describe the scale and type of organic farming and the expansion taking place, and to identify the advisory and training needs of organic farmers and the organic farming publications required, and the most appropriate and efficient way to provide the advisory and training services recommened.

A report of the needs study group has now been completed and I understand is under consideration by Teagasc. I will be keeping in touch with Teagasc in relation to the appropriate response to the needs of the organic farming sector including those in the areas of training, advice and information.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

187 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has to assess the implications of pollen contamination from genetically modified crops on organic farming, as is being done in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18507/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I am not aware of the studies referred to. The results of any scientific-based studies in this area will be examined when published.