Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:123 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which he has examined the need for an integrated plan for agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26130/02]
Written Answers. - Proposals for Agriculture.
In 1999, I set up the Agri-Food 2010 Committee to propose a strategy for the development of Irish agriculture and food over the next decade. The committee, which was drawn from the agricultural sector and the food industry, published its report, Agri-Food 2010 Main Report, in March 2000. My Department took on board the recommendations of the expert committee and formulated the Agri-Food 2010 Plan of Action, which contained 197 action points. The plan of action is a comprehensive approach to the future of the agricultural sector, envisaging a dynamic agri-food sector and offering farm families attractive and sustainable livelihood options, thus maintaining the maximum number of people on the land.
In December 2001, I published the Agri-Food Implementation Report, which outlined the progress of the Agri-Food 2010 Plan of Action. In all, 94% of the action points have been completed or have seen substantial action completed. My Department's statement of strategy and the 2010 Plan of Action contain commitments for overseeing the further implementation of the Agri-Food 2010 Committee's recommendations.