Vol. 512 No. 5
19 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the specific programmes contained in the national development plan to encourage greater innovation and the production of more value added products for the domestic and export markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26340/99]
The national development plan contains particular provisions relevant to the food industry. These provide a total indicative public funding allocation of £282 million and reflect the recommendations of the food industry development group. In line with a general aim to maximise competitiveness and market-orientation, the provisions will assist innovation and added value.
The food-related provisions cover capital investment, research and development, marketing and promotion, and human resources. While all have a relevant role, there will be a particular emphasis on added value and innovation under the capital investment and research and development initiatives. In the case of capital investment, the national development plan points out that a specific focus of support will be the high value prepared consumer foods and food ingredient sectors. This will assist Irish companies to avail of the substantial growth opportunities that exist in these sectors.
The support measures on research and development will cover three complementary facets institutional – or public – research, in-company research and technology transfer. These will assist innovation and enhance the adaptability of the food industry. As with the other food-related measures, they will also ensure that development continues to be underpinned by attention to food safety and quality issues.
I am confident that the relevant provisions in the national development plan will assist the food industry to meet its future opportunities and challenges. Those provisions build on the success of the current food development strategy – the food sub-programme – and recognise that a continuing focus on innovation and added value is essential to future development.
