The competitiveness of the Irish agri-food sector is vital to its ongoing viability and therefore this was a major issue that was addressed in the Agri-Food 2010 report. Many of the action points in the subsequent plan of action were designed to enhance Ireland's competitiveness.
As competitiveness is not a static concept, I am conscious of the ongoing need to maintain the competitive ability of all major sectors. I have initiated three studies to monitor this issue and to see how the Irish agri-food sector is doing vis-à-vis our major competitors. I launched the publication of Professor Gerry Boyle's study at the start of this year and I am hopeful that two further studies in the area will be forthcoming later in the year from Professor Alan Matthews of Trinity College and from Teagasc.