I am aware of the results of the survey on a number of social and agricultural issues that was conducted by Macra na Feirme among 101 participants in a Young Farmer of the Future competition. The survey disclosed a number of interesting results, including the finding that 62% of the respondents said they were in favour of full decoupling, the most significant element in the reform, with only 13% against. I was particularly pleased to note that 81% of the respondents said they were either "optimistic" or "very optimistic" about the future of Irish farming. I should also add that during the information meetings on the mid-term review conducted by my Department a strong mood in favour of full decoupling was evident.
The agreement concluded in June by the Council of Agriculture Ministers represents the most fundamental change to the Common Agricultural Policy since we joined the Community 30 years ago and results in a reshaped CAP based on the principles of market orientation and environmental sustainability. This agreement, together with the agreement reached by the European Council in Brussels in November 2002 on the future financing of the CAP, provides a high level of security for Ireland's benefits from the CAP for the next ten years.