Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 11 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 2

Written Answers. - Crop Losses.

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

52 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which apple yields have been affected by bad weather in recent months; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship this has caused among apple growers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25752/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I acknowledge that 2002 was a difficult year for all horticultural and agricultural producers because of the extensive rain and poor sunshine conditions. Apple producers have suffered losses as well as others. In general yields were down and poor quality was also a problem. Fortunately the poorer quality fruit could be diverted for processing.

My Department has provided assistance under the first round of the NDP to growers to provide better storage, grading and juicing facilities thereby improving quality and processing capabilities.

I have taken a series of weather related initiatives in support of farmers in general which include the following: I arranged for Teagasc to provide an intensive advisory service, both general and one to one; in co-operation with my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Coughlan, I arranged that the farm assist scheme take account of the situation faced by farmers.