Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 3

Written Answers. - Agriculture Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

42 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has for the expansion, enhancement and improvement of the agricultural industry, with particular emphasis on job retention and maximum use of value added products; the plans, if any, he has to ensure the viability of this sector in the face of increased competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9637/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The overall objectives in the agriculture and related rural development areas in the coming period as set out in the national development plan are as follows: to ensure that primary agriculture becomes more competitive; to foster environmentally sustainable systems of production; to provide alternative sources of income for farmers through diversification of activities both on and off-farm; and to promote rural development generally by harnessing voluntary and community development at local level.

Under Agenda 2000 substantial market support measures and direct payments to farmers are being put in place to tackle competitiveness. As regards the other areas, the new Council regulation on integrating agriculture and rural development provides the framework within which structural aid can be given to farmers and rural dwellers with a view to ensuring a sustainable future for rural areas.

The measures proposed by Ireland cover the improvement of farm structures through the scheme of installation aid for young farmers and the early retirement scheme; focusing on quality products at farm level through schemes related to animal breeding, welfare, hygiene and the environment; the provision of direct income support to farmers in designated disadvantaged areas through compensatory allowances; developing alternative enterprises both on and off-farm through, for example, the western investment fund and Leader type area based rural development initiatives; and the provision of back-up research, advice and training in the agriculture and rural development areas, mainly through Teagasc.

Negotiations with the European Commission on a new community support framework for Ireland are now almost completed and discussions with them on the draft operational programmes to draw down the EU funding have also commenced. Total public funding of the order of £3.5 billion is involved over the period 2000-2006.

In view of the challenges facing the agriculture and food sector over the next few years, I established the agri-food 2010 committee in June 1999 to propose a strategy for the development of Irish agriculture and food over the next decade. The committee's report was presented to me on 24 March. I consider that it provides a valuable analysis of the future of the agri-food sector. As I have already announced, I intend to initiate a round of consultations with all interests in the sector on the detailed findings of the committee. These discussions should not take longer than three months and, when they are completed, I will make a definitive response to the report.