An in-depth study on the food industry was published in April 1993 by the Expert Group on the Food Industry, established following the recommendations of the Culliton report on industrial policy.
One of the expert group's principal recommendations was the need for competitiveness in terms of cost, innovation, marketing and product quality. It recommended that a single operational programme for the food industry covering all the elements essential to competitiveness should be co-ordinated by my Department. As a result, a sub-programme for the food industry was incorporated in the Operational Programme for Industry 1994-1999. The sub-programme envisages a total investment of £641 million of which £283 million will be contributed from the national Exchequer and the EU Structural Funds. The measures in it were: capital investment grants; assistance for in-company and institutional research and development; training assistance and assistance for marketing and promotion.
Subsequent to the publication of the sub-programme, An Bord Bia, Teagasc and Forbairt drew up and published five year development plans consistent with the sub-programme. These plans incorporate detailed arrangements for the implementation of the measures set out in the sub-programme.
I am fully aware of the very competitive trading environment in which the food industry is operating. I am satisfied, however, that the necessary measures are in place to enable companies not only to meet the competitive challenges but to continue to develop and to expand employment.