Vol. 510 No. 3
81 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the way in which it is proposed to allocate the extra 32 million gallon quota obtained under Agenda 2000; if he will ensure that it is allocated on a tiered basis in order to benefit small and medium sized farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22424/99]
On 13 October I announced the eligibility criteria for the allocation of the additional 20.5 million gallons which becomes available on 1 April 2000. Fifteen mill ion gallons will be made available to producers with quotas below 55,000 gallons who meet certain criteria. The criteria include a requirement that that they must have produced 90 per cent of their quota in two out of the three quota years 1995-98, that they have not sold or leased quota with land during the period in question, that they have not temporarily leased quota in more than one year during the period and that they have acquired quota on a permanent or temporary basis during the same period. Five million gallons will be made available to a special scheme for younger active producers who have commenced milk production since 1993. Criteria to apply to this category will also include the 90 per cent quota usage level as well as those related to the purchase and leasing of quota. Additional criteria in this category will include an age limit of 35 at the date of commencement of milk production, educational qualifications and a maximum quota after allocation of 35,000 gallons. The maximum allocation to producers in this category will be 5,000 gallons. The balance of 500,000 gallons will be set aside for special cases arising out of the operation of the general distribution.
When EU approval is received my Department will put in place a scheme for the allocation of that quota. At that stage, details of the scheme will be published and application forms will be available from my Department and from milk purchasers. I have decided not to take any decision at this stage on the 11.5 million gallons which becomes available on 1 April 2001.
