Vol. 503 No. 7
28 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the interests of small dairy farmers who have a considerable dependence on leased quota are protected in view of the proposed reform of the milk quota temporary leasing regime. [8196/99]
35 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself with the operation of the milk quota system; the percentage of small scale producers leasing additional quotas to meet their milk production requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10890/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 35 together.
The operation of the milk quota system in Ireland takes account of the needs of small scale producers. A number of specific measures have been introduced and continue to operate to address the problems of these producers. The milk quota restructuring scheme gives total priority to small scale producers with quotas of less than 35,000 gallons. Since the introduction of the scheme, over 130 million gallons have been restructured. Under the temporary leasing scheme 75 per cent of the pool is made available to producers with quotas of less than 35,000 gallons. Approximately 59 million gallons were temporary leased in the 1997-8 scheme. Producers with quotas of less than 35,000 gallons get priority in the redistribution of unused quotas or flexi-milk at the end of each milk quota year. They are allocated 70 per cent of the available quota under this measure. The effect of the ring-fencing of quota in disadvantaged areas and the clawback of quota on land leases and sales is very much in favour of small scale producers. The milk quota appeals tribunal adjudicates on cases of hardship and over the years, on their recommendation, quota has been allocated to many applicants, mostly small scale producers. Statistics on small scale producers leasing additional quota are not available in the format requested.
The detailed negotiations on the proposal for a council regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 3950/92 on the milk quota regime have not yet been concluded. In the context of these negotiations, and also in the context of any revision of quota schemes within the competence of national legislation, I will continue to have full regard to the specific needs of small scale producers.
