Vol. 548 No. 4
61 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his long-term plans for the agricultural sector with particular reference to ensuring adequate income for those involved in the industry while at the same time maintaining the fabric of rural society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4988/02]
In June 1999 I established an independent group, the Agri Food 2010 Committee, to devise a long-term strategy for both agriculture and the food industry. The committee delivered its report in March 2000. In August 2000 I published the Agri Food 2010 plan of action which sets out the Government's policy response to the committee's recommendations. The plan of action envisages a dynamic agri-food sector in 2010 which offers farm families attractive and sustainable livelihood options, thus ensuring the maintenance of the maximum number on the land; has the necessary strength to compete successfully within the EU and on our main third country markets; values our rural environment as the basis of thriving rural communities; and is focused on meeting consumer demands, particularly for the highest standards of food safety.
The plan of action contains 197 specific action points aimed at achieving this vision. An implementation report, published last December, shows that 94% of the action points are either complete or have seen substantial action taken.
The White Paper on Rural Development, published in August 1999, sets out a vision and framework for the development of our rural communities. The overall strategy provides for balanced regional development; investment in services and infrastructure; sustainable economic development; human resources development; a determined focus on poverty and social exclusion; and preservation of the culture and heritage of rural areas and protection of the environment.
The main instrument for the delivery of the 2010 vision and the rural development strategy is the funding contained in the national development plan. The NDP provides €8.5 billion over the period 2000-06 for rural areas, including just under €6.1 billion for agriculture, food and related rural development.
In October 2001 the CLÁR programme for revitalising rural areas was launched to promote social inclusion in 16 targeted rural areas. In addition to the NDP investments, there will be €25.4 million available over the period to 2003 to underpin the success of the programme.
I am satisfied the necessary policy framework, underpinned by both national and EU funding, is in place, together with appropriate monitoring and review arrangements, to ensure the development of agriculture and of rural society, in a manner that will benefit all rural dwellers.
