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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 7 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 5

Written Answers. - Agriculture Prices.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

117 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the concern amongst the agricultural community arising from downward pressure of prices for the products and unreliable and unstable market conditions; his plans to address these issues in the short to medium term, having due regard to the impact of the WTO, Agenda 2000 and other developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21000/02]

Agricultural product markets and prices are cyclical by nature. For this reason there are a range of direct payments and other market support measures which support farm incomes. In 2001, aggregate farm incomes rose by 4.2 percent to €2,614 million, of which direct payments accounted for 53% or €1,382 million. Direct payments are expected to increase again this year. I have considered the medium-term future of the agri-food sector. It was precisely for this reason that I established the Agri-Food 2010 committee. Its report was published in March 2000 and the Government's response the Agri-Food 2010 plan of action in August 2000. To date, 94% of the action points in the plan of action are either complete or have seen significant work undertaken.

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