Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:209 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans for the development of cereal growing in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25870/03]
Written Answers. - Cereal Sector.
My Department operates a range of services in the cereals sector aimed at improving efficiency, quality and viability of cereal production, including seed certification, seed testing and recommended lists of varieties. This is apart from the advisory, training, research and development services provided by Teagasc. All of these services provide a valuable contribution to the improvement of efficiency and competitiveness. They have ensured that Irish cereal producers have consistently achieved some of the highest yields in the world.
An important part of cereal producers' incomes is represented by the EU arable aid payments. My Department ensures that these payments are issued promptly. Over 90% of these payments are issued within one week of the commencement date for payment laid down in EU regulations. In 2002 I secured EU approval to pay 50% of these payments in advance in recognition of the difficulties experienced by cereal producers due to the persistent wet weather conditions.
In order to improve the quality and safety of grain, and to relieve pressure at commercial intake points at harvest time, I made provision under the national development plan, for grants for the development of grain storage on farms.
Recently I decided that all direct payments under the arable crops regime will be decoupled from production as and from 1 January 2005. As a result cereal producers will have the cushion of a single farm payment decoupled from production and incomes can be enhanced by more market orientated production.
These are just some examples that demonstrate the commitment my Department has, and will continue to have, to the development of the cereals sector.