Bernard J. Durkan
Question:20 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans for the ongoing development of the agricultural industry, sector by sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14029/03]
Written Answers. - Agriculture Industry Development.
In 1999, I set up the Agri-Food 2010 Committee to propose a strategy for the development of 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.
In December 2001, I published the Agri-Food Implementation Report, which outlined the progress of the Agri-Food 2010 plan of action. In all 94% of the action points have been completed or have seen substantial action completed. My Department's statement of strategy and the 2010 plan of action contain commitments for overseeing the further implementation of the Agri-Food 2010 Committee's recommendations.
I am conscious of the very immediate challenges facing the agri-food sector in the context of the mid-term review of CAP and the WTO talks. Accordingly, I have given a commitment, and it has been set down in the chapter on agriculture in the new partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, to re-examine the Agri-Food 2010 Report and to update it in the light of developments under the mid-term review and WTO.
In the context of the ever changing environment in which the agri-food sector operates, I shall continue to pursue policies and operate programmes which will enable farm families to enjoy living standards in line with general economic and social development and maintain an agri-food sector which is profitable, competitive, sustainable and innovative.