Niamh Smyth
Question:118. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of his work to establish of a beef forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7035/22]
View answerThursday, 10 February 2022
Questions (118)
Written answers
Following the publication of the report of the chair of the Beef Taskforce last November by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I clearly stated my commitment to establish a new forum for strategic engagement in the beef sector.
As the Deputy may be aware, I recently announced the establishment of a Food Vision Dairy Group as it was key requirement of the Food Vision 2030 strategy. I similarly intend to establish a group for the beef and sheep sectors, to advance the specific sectoral actions identified in Food Vision 2030, and as a priority task, to produce a detailed plan to manage the sustainable environmental footprint of the beef sector.
Work is currently under way in my Department on the establishment of this group, and I intend to make an announcement on the detail of it soon.
Food Vision 2030, the new stakeholder-led strategy for the Irish agri-food sector, was launched last year. I believe Food Vision is a landmark with the potential to transform our agriculture, food, forestry and marine sectors in the period to 2030, with sustainability at its core. Its vision is that Ireland will become a world leader in ‘Sustainable Food Systems’ over the next decade. This will deliver significant benefits for the Irish agri-food sector itself, for Irish society and the environment. In demonstrating the Irish agri-food sector meets the highest standards of sustainability – economic, environmental, and social – this will also provide the basis for the future competitive advantage of the sector, through the advancement of four missions:
1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector
2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being
3. Food that is Safe, Nutritious And Appealing, Trusted And Valued at Home and Abroad
4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology And Talent.
I was pleased to receive reports of strong engagement by stakeholders across the supply chain with the work of the Beef Taskforce and I look forward to this constructive engagement continuing in the context of the new forum.
I am clear that this new Group will engage positively on the strategic challenges and opportunities facing the beef and sheep sectors. There can be a very bright future in these sectors if we work collaboratively.