Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2011
162 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he or the relevant State agency has carried out an analysis of the flower propagation, production and export industry; his views that this area could be further exploited and developed from an economic point of view; his plans to further develop this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20172/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe flower sector could potentially include a number of very different areas of production including bulbs, wildflowers, annuals or biennial flowers. It could also be extended into ornamental nursery stock. Each of these areas has very different propagation and production techniques requiring very different approaches in equipment and facilities.
Bord Bia has recently published an Amenity Sector Strategy review, which includes in its recommendations:
Development of new cut foliage varieties suitable for Irish growing conditions and European market requirements
US Daffodil Bulbs Market trade promotion of Irish bulbs
Micro-propagation and trials site development of new range of Irish-bred plants suitable for licensing and/or exclusive production of finished plants in Ireland
Development of programme for stock cleaning and development of new plants
Point of sale/labelling system/website and campaign to raise awareness of Irish—grown plants using Bloom and other consumer events
Facilitation of exporter's forum and provision of UK market expertise.
Facilitation of inward buyer trips aimed at maximizing use of National Plant Fairs, Bloom and GLAS amenity showcase
Bord Bia, in association with Teagasc and my Department, are involved in various programmes and initiatives to promote the sector and to implement these recommendations. In addition, my Department has provided grant aid of €2.8 m to the nursery stock and related ornamental sectors since 2008 with a further €0.5 million allocated to 47 projects this year. With these initiatives and actions, I expect modest growth in the ornamental sector over the next few years.
