I propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 463 together.
I have been conscious for some time of the need to maintain policy frameworks that support the viability of the food-producing sector in Ireland and throughout Europe and that preserve the adequacy, security and safety of our food supply. In the light of these challenges on the domestic front, the AgriVision 2015 report established strategies for the development of a consumer focused, competitive and sustainable Irish agri-food sector, which is capable of meeting the challenges of more liberalised markets and broader societal demands at home and abroad. These strategies identify the delivery of safe, high quality, nutritious food that is produced in a sustainable manner in high value markets as the optimum road for the future of the Irish food industry in light of the changes which have already taken place or are anticipated over the next number of years. They span the entire food chain from primary production through processing to market access, which is key to developing export potential. I first raised my concerns about EU policies in the context of the WTO negotiations when I pointed out the need to ensure that due account is taken of the changes in the world since the Doha Round commenced in 2001. In particular, I emphasised that we should give proper recognition to the new challenges of food supply, food security and climate change. I have continued to make these points in debates and discussions with the Commission and my EU colleagues on the subjects of agriculture and climate change and future European agriculture policy generally.
From being a lone voice in highlighting these concerns, I have garnered the support of a considerable number of my EU colleagues, most particularly in the group of over 14 like-minded Member States. I believe there is a strong recognition among Council of Agriculture Ministers that Europe must retain its agricultural production base so that we can meet the future demand of our population for food, feed and bio-energy, while at the same time being in a position to assist least developed countries to meet their growing food needs. I am confident that this recognition will continue to be reflected in our upcoming discussions. As to the views of the farming organisations, I receive regular representations from the farming organisations and others on a host of current issues connected to the viability of the food-producing sector. However, I have not received any submissions from the various farming bodies referring specifically to the future viability of the food-producing sector in the context of the Irish and European economies.