Food Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 October 2011

Thursday, 6 October 2011

Questions (24)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

24 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which a full evaluation has been done of the food industry with a view to identifying the future prospects in the beef, lamb, pig meat and dairy sectors in the context of likely trends affected by the Common Agricultural Policy and World Trade Organisation; if due regard is likely to be had for the necessity to maintain maximum support for food production throughout Europe thereby ensuring continuity and security of supply together with a reliable income for producers and the retention the concept of the family farm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27920/11]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Simon Coveney)

My Department continually evaluates the various livestock sectors in the context of markets and trade agreements. In particular, the Food Harvest 2020 report provides a roadmap for the various sectors over the coming decade. The strategies in the report were agreed by the sector and are being implemented. I recently produced a report called "Food Harvest 2020: Milestones for success", showing the level of progress with the Food Harvest Strategy and I am pleased that Action has already been taken on 92% of all the issues. Intermediate milestones have been targeted for 2013 and 2015, to ensure that the strategy has a continuous momentum.

I am aware of the significant changes being proposed to the CAP and in other global trade negotiations. I will continue to defend the need for Europe to maintain food production as part of the global requirement to increase production by 70% by 2050.