Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 3

Written Answers. - Agriculture Development.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

48 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the recent study by the Agricultural Consultants Association on the future of Irish agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13983/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The recent Agricultural Consultants Association study set out, in a series of opinion polls, results showing that a number of farmers had difficulties with regard to farm succession and in their ability to meet the financial needs of their families.

I fully understand the worries of farmers about their financial position particularly after such a difficult year in 2002. I believe that the recently agreed agriculture chapter in the new social partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, contains a package of measures to help improve the lot of farmers. In addition, better international and national markets, a higher level of output and a better weather outlook will help their financial situation in 2003.

With regard to the structure of Irish farming, a recently released EUROSTAT survey indicates that Ireland has one of the best age profiles within the European Community with significantly more farmers under 35, 13% as against an EU average of 8%, and fewer farmers over the age of 55, 40% as against an EU average of 52%. I believe that the range of policies that my Department has adopted with regard to encouraging young farmers to enter or stay in farming and the early retirement scheme has played a major role in maintaining a good age structure in Irish farming.