Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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273. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a submission concerning organic farming; his plans to address the issues outlined; if he has had any meetings, or is proposing to have any meetings, with the relevant representative bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8904/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The fodder production system referred to is currently being promoted as an economically viable system of producing fodder or overcoming fodder shortages on organic livestock farms. The economics and application of such a production system, however, have to be carefully examined. I am advised by my Department that the accepted comparison of feed is based on dry matter equivalents. A feed with 90% water, as in the case of sprouted grain central to the production system referred to, has considerably less feed value than the grain itself with 5% water, on a weight for weight basis. Furthermore, I am advised that research has shown that there is a net loss of dry matter over the sprouting/growing period of in excess of 20%.

In light of the above therefore, I have no plans to grant aid the production system referred to at this time.