Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:44 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans she has to establish an all island food label; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8843/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 March 2007
Ceisteanna (52)
Freagraí scríofa
I am supportive of initiatives to promote food on all-island basis where this is of mutual benefit and leads to closer economic co-operation. The development of an all-island animal health policy is a necessary prerequisite to the establishment of an all-island food label. The development of the animal health policy is being actively pursued in the context of North/South cooperation. In addition an all-island food label would require negotiation between the relevant authorities regarding its status and conditions for use and general acceptance from consumers and buy-in by producers and processors island-wide. A Memorandum of Agreement was finalised between Bord Bia and Invest Northern Ireland (INI) in November 2006 to provide for structured ongoing co-operation in food promotion at International Trade Fairs, retail promotions on the UK market, co-operation on developing the speciality sector on an all island basis and market research and intelligence.