I note the publications of both the Farm to Fork Strategy and the EU Biodiversity 2030 Strategy on 20 May 2020. Both are very ambitious but also challenging and provide a very clear pathway for delivering on the ambitions within the EU Green Deal of being carbon neutral by 2050.
The successful delivery of these strategies and the overall ambition of the Green Deal will require, among other things, a strong CAP as farmers are being asked to do more, to innovate more, and to adopt new green technologies and practices. In return, we must ensure that farming provides a decent income. In that regard my officials are carefully considering the recent revised proposal on the new Multiannual Financial Framework and the implications for the budget for the new CAP.
Officials in my Department are considering the Farm to Fork Strategy in the overall context of developing 'Ag Climatise', our climate roadmap out of 2030, which will be published this year.
The Farm to Fork Strategy is at the heart of the European Green Deal and recognises the inextricable links between healthy people, healthy societies and a healthy planet. Ireland’s reputation for safe, sustainable and nutritious food is recognised worldwide and I will continue to ensure that we have a sustainable food production system that contributes in a positive way to climate action while, at the same time, producing high quality and safe food for local, regional and global markets.
Internationally, Ireland has one of the most carbon efficient systems of food production in the EU and will continue to focus on sustainability right across the supply chain. Demand for Irish agricultural produce is largely driven by the quality appeal of the food produced here, with its low environmental footprint, its grass based system of production, and strict traceability and welfare criteria – all fundamental pillars of the Farm to Fork strategy.
The Biodiversity Strategy is seen as complimentary to Farm to Fork with nature restoration as a central element of the EU’s recovery plan.
Rigorous impact assessments, and broad consultation is fundamental to ensuring that the competitiveness and financial viability of food production systems are maintained and enhanced while at the same time increasing the environmental benefits to economies and societies.
I look forward to reviewing the content in detail and working with all the key stakeholders in Ireland to ensure that we continue to be a global leader in sustainable food production systems.
