Bernard J. Durkan
Question:123 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which he has examined the need for an integrated plan for agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26130/02]
Vol. 559 No. 2
123 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which he has examined the need for an integrated plan for agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26130/02]
In 1999, I set up the Agri-Food 2010 Committee to propose a strategy for the development of Irish agriculture and food over the next decade. The committee, which was drawn from the agricultural sector and the food industry, published its report, Agri-Food 2010 Main Report, in March 2000. My Department took on board the recommendations of the expert committee and formulated the Agri-Food 2010 Plan of Action, which contained 197 action points. The plan of action is a comprehensive approach to the future of the agricultural sector, envisaging a dynamic agri-food sector and offering farm families attractive and sustainable livelihood options, thus maintaining the maximum number of people on the land.