Vol. 576 No. 2
101 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the future of small to medium sized farmers here; the supports in place to help them stay in farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29299/03]
I fully support the European model of agriculture which is based mainly on family farms. Within this system scale can be an issue which causes problems for some farmers and hampers their ability to achieve incomes in line with expectations. However, there are a number of options that can be followed to secure a viable future.
Increased scale and efficiency, especially in the cost of production, are solutions, though for some these may not be easy or feasible. However, the growth of the economy also allows for part-time farming, meaning that farmers whose scale would not permit them to earn an adequate wage by farming alone can combine their return from farming with an off-farm job to produce a viable income. While this is something which may not suit every farmer, it is to be welcomed in so far as it permits the continuation of a greater number of smaller family farm enterprises than would otherwise be the case.
It is therefore a matter for each individual to judge for themselves what their best course of action should be. The role for my Department has been to support farm families in whatever choices they may wish to make. To this end, I have actively encouraged changes in training and specialist courses, grant schemes and advice programmes to cater for the needs of all farmers, whether part-time or otherwise, to help such farmers maximize their potential and income.
