30 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his plans for the future of the agriculture industry; the number of full-time farmers engaged in agriculture; the extent to which he expects the industry to develop in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12065/02]
I established an independent committee in June 1999 to prepare the agriculture and food industries for the challenges and opportunities that may emerge and to make recommendations on their development over the present decade. A report, Agri-Food 2010, was completed in March 2000 and a plan of action in August 2000 set out the Government's policy response to the committee's recommendations. The plan of action contains 197 specific action points aimed at achieving a dynamic agri-food sector. It envisages an agri-food sector that offers farm families attractive and sustainable livelihood options, thus ensuring the maintenance of the maximum number on the land, has the necessary strength to compete successfully within the EU and our main third country markets, values our rural environment as the basis of thriving rural communities and is focused on meeting consumer demands, particularly for the highest standards of food safety.
Of the 197 specific action points outlined in the plan, 94% are complete or have seen substantial action taken. The main instrument for the delivery of the 2010 vision is the national development plan, which provides €8.5 billion for rural areas between 2000 and 2006, including just under €6.1 billion for agriculture, food and related rural development. I am satisfied that the necessary policy framework, underpinned by both national and EU funding, is in place, together with appropriate monitoring and review arrangements, to ensure the optimal development of the agriculture and food industries and rural areas. It was made clear in the 2010 plan of action that the Government is fully committed to the development of a core of full-time farmers, earning viable returns on labour and capital. Most recent data available from CSO estimate that there were 87,500 full-time farmers out of a total of 143,700 in 1999. This figure is based on the number of persons reporting farming as their sole occupation.
