Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2004
61 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to maintain viability in the farming sector with particular reference to small and medium-sized farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9247/04]
View answerAs Minister for Agriculture and Food, it is one of my priorities to ensure that viability is maintained and improved for the farming sector, regardless of farm size. To meet that objective, my Department implements a range of measures, including market supports and direct payments aimed at supporting farm viability.
In addition, the general developments in the economy, with greater availability of employment and increased levels of participation in the labour force, have resulted in greater opportunities for those who wish to improve their incomes by combining an off-farm job with their farming activities.
To consider the medium to long-term perspective, I formed the agri-vision 2015 committee to examine the findings and recommendations of the previous agri-food 2010 committee. That is to reflect and act upon the changes that have occurred in the external environment in which Irish agriculture operates. That new committee is examining a range of options and likely scenarios for the agri-food sector, and I expect that the issue of viability, for farmers of all sizes, will be given appropriate attention in its report.
