Vol. 553 No. 4
36 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the main findings of his Department's recent report on the development of farming methods that are both eco-friendly and economically viable; if it intended to implement the recommendations of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13975/02]
Earlier this month I launched the Eco-friendly Farming Report which was prepared by my Department to consider the shift in agricultural policy towards eco-friendly farming. Among the recommendations of the report are: the need for research to develop farming methods which are both eco-friendly and environmentally viable; the need for this knowledge to be extended to farm level; REPS should be reviewed to establish what can be done to increase participation and effectiveness, with particular reference to water quality; and any further restrictions on the movement of farm animals which are scientifically justified should be accepted notwithstanding Ireland's economic interest in our ability to export live animals from an island location.
Upon the publication of this report, I invited the views of interested individuals and groups on its contents. I look forward to receiving this feedback and will then address the issue of the implementation of the report's recommendations.
