Vol. 412 No. 6
49 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline his plans, if any, to enhance this country's image as a natural food producer; if he intends to take any steps to further improve the situation; if new markets have been achieved on foot of this image; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The State agencies involved in the food industry, with the support of my Department, undertake an enormous amount of promotional work each year and over the past number of years this has been based very largely on Ireland's image as a natural food producer.
As a measure of the success of this strategy the Deputy need only look at our food and drink exports. These have increased by over £700 million in the last five years. This is a substantial achievement for the industry.
The State agencies concerned keep their market development and promotional strategies under constant review in order to maximise the benefits to be derived from this country's image as a natural food producer and to adapt to changing consumer requirements.
