Helen Keogh
Question:29 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his policy regarding the future of the CBF quality beef assurance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6394/95]
Written Answers. - Food Quality Assurance Schemes.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:37 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has for the launch of a national quality scheme for Irish farm produce, incorporating an easily recognisable Green branding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6353/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 37 together.
One of the functions of An Bord Bia, the newly established food promotion and market development agency, is to operate food quality assurance schemes. As part of that function the board has taken over and is continuing to implement the quality assurance schemes previously operated by CBF for the beef and pigmeat sectors. At my request the board is currently preparing a five year strategic marketing plan and as part of that process it will be reviewing its existing quality schemes and examining how these might be applied to the wider food sector.