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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 5

Written Answers. - Agricultural Exports.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

42 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which he has planned for a new EU market; the likely impact of enlargement on agriculture exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20668/02]

I formed the Agri-Food 2010 Committee in June 1999. The committee's terms of reference were "to propose a strategy for the development of Irish agriculture and food over the next decade, following the agreement on Agenda 2000 and in light of the changes and challenges which are likely to evolve nationally and internationally over that period". The enlargement of the EU was one of the international changes which the committee took account of. I published the agri-food 2010 implementation report in December 2001. The report found that of the 197 action points in the agri-food 2010 plan of action, 94% had either been successfully undertaken or had seen significant work undertaken. The vision of the 2010 report, to which the Government is committed, is one which provides full and part-time farmers every available option to achieve a viable level of farm household income and to have a sustainable future in agriculture.

The integration of ten new member states in 2004 into a single market of approximately 480 million consumers, without tariff or other trade barriers, will create a new impetus for growth in the market and will provide opportunities for all member states, existing and new, particularly for an export orientated country like Ireland.

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