SCOTTISH farming leaders yesterday gave a qualified welcome to the
decision to lower the target area to be planted by registered potato
growers in 1994, which has been fixed at 150,000 hectares by Agriculture
Ministers -- 5500 hectares below this year's figure. The reduction takes
into account the long-term trend of increasing yields.
Included are 5000 hectares specifically set aside to encourage
production of potatoes for the processing industry and other developing
sectors of the market, and to meet allocations required by the scheme.
To achieve next year's target area for plantings, the Potato Marketing
Board has decided that the quota for every registered producer will be
97.5% of his basic area, compared to 100% in 1993.
Both the 1994 target area and the quota percentage are in line with
the recommendations of the PMB's joint consultative committee.
The decrease in the target area for 1994 was described as ''a step in
the right direction,'' by Mr Bill Reid, potato convener of the Scottish
National Farmers' Union.
He continued: ''We have always argued strongly for the target area to
be set at a realistic level, which takes account of the potential for
increased yields and ensures that there is an adequate supply of
potatoes to meet the demands of the industry.
''However, this commitment to supply must be matched by a reasonable
return to producers. Although we have persuaded the JCC to recommend a
decrease in the target area, I was disappointed that, in light of last
season's experience, a more significant reduction was not agreed.
''Last season, the weather caused increased yields which resulted in
below cost of production returns. A repetition would mean many producers
leaving the potato industry. We hope the changes in target area for 1994
will result in a more successful season for producers.''
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