asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is satisfied with the progress being made in implementing the recommendations of the IDA report of June 1982: A Strategy for the Development of the Agricultural Industry in Ireland.
Written Answers. - Development of Agricultural Industry Report.
15.
In some sectors, for example beef, specific targets set for 1990 have already been achieved. Other sectors are proceeding quite satisfatorily but progress is at a slower rate than anticipated; this is particularly true of the dairying industry.
One sector which is not performing satisfactorily is vegetable processing. This is due to problems related to economy of scale and changes in the structure of the industry. However, the IDA have responded through the implementation of a policy on fresh produce, the aim of which is to reduce imports, create export markets and, finally, to provide a base for development of a vegetable processing industry. A number of projects are under consideration in this area.
The IDA now have a separate division dealing with natural resources in which particular emphasis is placed on agricultural industries. This division implements and monitors the recommendations of the report. It is too early yet to express a definitive view on the success of the strategy. I propose to review the matter further in six months' time.