Vol. 426 No. 7
61 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has for agriculture with particular reference to job creation prospects which might arise in the event of the expansion of this indigenous industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In common with other European countries, full-time employment in the agricultural sector in Ireland has been declining in recent years. However, this decline masks a trend towards greater diversification in the income sources of farm and rural holdings and an increase in the number of farmers engaged in part-time farming.
As the Deputy is aware, agricultural output of a number of products is limited by EC production restrictions, which may increase pressure on farm employment in our main production sectors in future years. To help counteract this, a range of measures are now in place aimed at maximising income and productive employment and stimulating rural development.
Within the operational programme for rural development under the aegis of my Department there is a number of schemes designed to encourage farm diversification and farm-based enterprises. The uptake of schemes to promote alternative farm enterprises, horticulture and agri-tourism has been good to date. Teagasc has a role in promoting these schemes and in providing advice and training to farmers in the areas of produce quality, animal productivity and cost control. The Leader programme is designed to enable groups in rural communities to draw up and implement integrated business plans.
I consider that these measures will help to maintain overall employment in agriculture and in rural areas in future years.
