Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 May 2012
152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will indicate if any indications of economic overheating have spread in the agri food sector; if remedial action is proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23563/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe agri-food sector is playing a key role in the economic recovery of this country particularly in the area of exports which saw a 12% increase in 2011 compared to the previous year. In the last week we have seen positive economic results from some of the larger multinationals in the sector where exports continue to drive turnover. On the producer side, there have also been some considerable improvements in farm incomes in the last few years including an average farm income increase of 48% in 2010.
The implementation of the Food Harvest 2020 Strategy under-pinning the future development of the sector is continuing and I am chairing the High-Level Implementation Committee. Efforts to gain new markets for Irish produce are also ongoing and just recently I led a trade delegation comprising representatives of approximately 50 companies from the Irish agri-food sector to China to explore new market opportunities.
Notwithstanding the positive developments in the sector, there are also undoubtedly challenges which must be faced including increased cost of inputs such as fuel, feed and fertiliser as well as access to credit. Agri-food exports are also subject to international commodity price fluctuations as we have seen in recent weeks with milk prices.
Overall however, I am satisfied that economic over-heating is not a factor for the agri-food sector but instead that this sector is starting to realise its full potential. I am confident that, with the correct balance of appropriate public policy and private sector innovation and investment, we can position the agri-food sector at the centre of this Country's economic recovery.
