Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022
410. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the agricultural research station at Backweston, Leixlip, County Kildare can be an influential part in the proposal to extend acreage of grain growing in Ireland in the course of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13801/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Varietal Testing Centre located at Backweston, Leixlip comprises an area of just over 102 hectares on the Kildare-Dublin border and is one of 5 farms/centres involved in crop variety trials operated by my Department throughout the country.
The primary role of this facility is to provide crop breeders and their agents with a national system of plant variety evaluation as required under EU Legislation. This is an essential function in ensuring that only the most suitable varieties are listed in the National Catalogue and Recommended Lists of varieties to provide guidance to farmers on the best available varieties to grow under Irish conditions. Each year approximately 400 agricultural crop varieties of grasses, clovers, cereals, maize, oilseed rape, field beans and potatoes are evaluated in Department field trials. This is an invaluable service in support of the Irish tillage sector.
In addition, the various seed certification schemes are operated from the centre at Backweston. These Schemes are part of an EU-wide quality assurance system whereby seed intended for marketing is subject to official control and inspection to ensure minimum standards throughout the EU. Under the scheme, seed is certified to meet minimum purity and quality standards ensuring the supply of high-quality seed to farmers and other growers.
Seed quality is most important in crop production, as high-quality seed is essential for good crop yields and quality and minimises the likelihood of crop failure. Ireland operates a higher voluntary standard in agreement with the Industry thereby ensuring the highest possible standard for seed certified in this country. This service to tillage farmers provides an important assurance to growers that the seed they sow is of the highest possible standard.
