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Common Agricultural Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2021

Thursday, 9 December 2021

Questions (49)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

49. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that CAP reforms will not damage the productivity of the agri-food business given the trends in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60161/21]

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Written answers

My view is that the current phase of CAP reform will have a positive impact on the production of sustainable food and will help us to enhance our sustainability credentials while supporting farmers in the transition.

The new CAP has multiple objectives - economic, social and environmental - and these are reflected in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan for the period 2023-2027. The plan will provide funding of just over €9.8 billion to support viable farm incomes and enhance competitiveness, to strengthen the socio-economic fabric of rural areas, and to contribute to the achievement of environmental and climate objectives at national and EU levels.

The CAP will work hand-in-hand with the Food Vision 2030 strategy, which sets out a pathway to Ireland becoming a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the next decade. By adopting an integrated food systems approach, Ireland will become a global leader of innovation for sustainable food and agriculture systems, producing safe, nutritious, and high-value food while protecting and enhancing our natural resources and contributing to vibrant rural and coastal communities within the national economy.

With a focus on the marketplace together with a continuing reduction in the carbon footprint of our produce, I am very confident that we will continue the transition to become even more sustainable, with benefits for water, air quality, biodiversity, our farmers and our consumers. The supports available under the CAP will have a central role to play in this transition.

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