Michael Ring
Ceist:203 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will establish a commission on farm income to undertake an in-depth examination of the farm income situation. [13784/02]
Written Answers. - Farm Incomes.
Recent data indicates that aggregate farm income has recovered following a number of difficult years in the late 1990s. Aggregate farm income rose by 5.8% in 2001 with an increase of 7.5% being recorded in 2000. Based on the Central Statistics Office national quarterly household survey, my Department estimates that the average income per person employed in agriculture increased by 16% in 2001.
Farm incomes are of central concern to me as Minister. My Department operates a range of policies including market supports under the Common Agricultural Policy and EU direct payments formed 56% of aggregate income in the year 2001 totalling €1.4b. The Agri-Food 2010 plan of action sets out the Government's vision for the future of the sector. The plan of action envisages a dynamic agri-food sector in 2010 offering farm families attractive and sustainable livelihood options, thus maintaining the maximum number of people on the land.
I am aware that low income remains a difficulty for some farm families. The revised National Anti-Poverty Strategy, NAPS, launched by the Government in February 2002, includes a specific focus on addressing rural poverty and disadvantage. Its objective is to tackle social exclusion in rural areas in a comprehensive and sustained manner by ensuring the provision of an adequate income, through employment and income support, access to adequate services and infrastructure on a timely basis, co-ordination of responses and empowerment of local people and communities.
I am satisfied that the necessary policy framework, underpinned by both national and EU funding, is in place, together with appropriate monitoring and review arrangements, to ensure viability of the maximum number of farm households. I do not therefore consider that the establishment of a commission on farm income is required.
Question No. 204 answered with Question No. 172.