Vol. 512 No. 5
78 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the proposals, if any, he has for the ongoing development of agriculture in the next five years with particular reference to maintaining existing markets in addition to the opening of new markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26541/99]
The recently launched national development plan sets the scene for developments in the agriculture, rural development and food areas over the next seven years. The proposed strategy builds on the outcome of the Agenda 2000 negotiations, the White Paper on Rural Development and the report of the food industry development group.
Seven key areas are addressed in the plan: improving farm structures; improving animal breeding, welfare, hygiene and quality; focusing on quality products and food safety at processing level and assisting the further development of the food industry; developing rural services and rural enterprise support and promoting alternative enterprises on and off farm; the provision of direct income support for farmers in designated disadvantaged areas; improving the environment; the provision of back-up research, advice and training in the agriculture, food and rural development areas.
The marketing of Irish meat of all livestock species is primarily a matter for the industry, assisted by An Bord Bia, in terms of the identification and development of new markets and the promotion of the products involved. Where appropriate, my Department plays an active role where there is a requirement for technical/ veterinary issues to be addressed as was the case in the re-opening of markets which were closed or restricted following the BSE crisis in 1996.
