Vol. 512 No. 5
53 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his medium and long-term plans for the expansion and development of the agriculture sector, with particular reference to the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26478/99]
The recently launched national development plan sets the scene for developments in the agriculture, rural development and food areas over the next seven years. The proposed strategy builds on the outcome of the Agenda 2000 negotiations, the White Paper on Rural Development and the report of the food industry development group.
Seven key areas are addressed in the plan, namely, improving farm structures; improving animal breeding, welfare, hygiene and quality; focusing on quality products and food safety at processing level and assisting the further development of the food industry; developing rural services and rural enterprise support and promoting alternative enterprises on and off farm; the provision of direct income support for farmers in designated disadvantaged areas; improving the environment and the provision of back-up research, advice and training in the agriculture, food and rural development areas.
The Irish agri-food sector will face further significant challenges in the medium to longer-term, including the next WTO round and EU enlargement. These challenges will present the sector with both opportunities and threats. It was with this in mind that I established the Agri-Food 2010 Committee last May. I gave this group the task of mapping out a future strategy for the development of Irish agriculture and food. The committee is engaged in a detailed analysis of all aspects of the agri-food sector and I expect to receive their report early in the new year.
