Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 November 2010
9 Deputy Máire Hoctor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the way Food Harvest 2020 can contribute to the development of the Irish organic and horticulture sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40774/10]
View answerThe term smart green growth sums up so much of what we wish to do with Food Harvest 2020. The policy document makes a number of specific recommendations for the horticulture sector. These recommendations are focused on the industry improving competitiveness, adapting new and greener technologies, and the State agencies fostering product and production innovation, including the production of non-traditional fruit and vegetables. This approach will also support growers coming together in producer organisations to facilitate greater bargaining power and the promotion of the health benefits of the consumption of fruit and vegetables.
The implementation of these recommendations, therefore, should lead to a more innovative and competitive horticulture industry, which should in turn be able to command a greater element of the retail price. It should also be an industry which is supplying into an expanding overall market and where Irish production is challenging and displacing imported product.
In so far as the organic sector is concerned, the key focus of Food Harvest 2020 is to show how the industry can capitalise on the expanding market opportunities. Opportunity abounds in the domestic organic retail market which is currently worth €94 million. Apart from the domestic market opportunities, major export opportunities for Irish organic produce are to be found in the major European markets.
The implementation of the food harvest recommendations, therefore, should enable the Irish organic sector to grow and prosper sustainably through the delivery of high-quality, safe and naturally based produce.
I am aware of the increased promotion, production and consumption of organic food across the country, which is to be welcomed. Has the Minister of State's Department carried out any audit on the area of land concerned or the number of organic producers across the country? Surely this must have expanded in line with the expansion of production and consumption.
We have and it is a good news story. The land area under organic production has been increasing steadily since 2003. At the end of December 2009, there were 1,548 organic operators in Ireland with some 49,165 hectares of land under organic production methods. The programme for Government target is to have 5% of agricultural land under organic production by 2020. That is a high target but we have seen significant growth. More importantly, it is worth examining the value of the Irish organic retail market, which has grown fairly dramatically over the last seven or eight years. It was worth €38 million in 2003, and is now worth more than three times that figure. It was worth €124 million in 2009. That is a good news story.
What are the future prospects for organic farming? Is the Minister of State confident that the targets of Food Harvest 2020 can still be met, even in the current economic downturn?
There are challenges, particularly within the Irish market. We are in the middle of a difficult recession and people are looking very carefully at what they buy. However, there are significant opportunities not just in Ireland, but also abroad. In Germany, the figures for organic consumption increased dramatically over the last two years. If we look across the water to the UK and Germany there are huge opportunities there. There has been a dip within the State over the last year or 18 months, but I remain confident that there is increasing consumer interest in organic products. There is much more discussion about where products originate and I think there is a strong future for the organic sector not just abroad, but also in the Irish market.
The Minister of State is very strong on targets and opportunities, but he is weak on specifics. He was part of a Government which removed the farm retirement scheme and installation aid for young farmers.
And brought it back.
Young farmers are the cornerstone of future agricultural production. They are the raw material we need. Will the Minister of State outline any specific incentives or measures he proposes to introduce that will help in the area of organic food production and horticulture?
The Deputy is trying to pretend that we are not assisting, but we are giving huge support.
I am not pretending anything. There is no pretence with me; I say it straight out.
Regarding the early retirement scheme this year we are putting €40 million into providing for those who wish to retire. Some €4.5 million is being allocated to installation aid. That is real money, right here, right now. It is not just that, however. We are providing financial support with supplementary measures under the earlier REP schemes. We have had the organic farming scheme since 2007 along with the capital grant schemes. We also have the organic farming action plan, as well as national organic week, the national organic conference, organic awards and the demonstration farm programme.
Two weeks ago, I attended the Terre Madre conference in Italy where Bord Bia was represented. Some 80 delegates from Ireland attended to see what was going on there, as well as ascertaining markets for Irish produce.
That is a big help for farmers who cannot make a living here.
I was very impressed by the presence of Bord Bia there to promote fish, beef, lamb and dairy products. We had seven Irish cheeses represented at that conference together with other products, including a new Irish sea salt. Bord Bia is doing amazing work in spreading the message that there are strong export markets out there. In addition, here at home there are a number of schemes that are assisting those involved in horticulture and organic farming.
The Minister of State should be specific.
Grocery Sector
