Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 September 2020
171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he continues to explore ways and means to maximise the value of products from the agricultural sector with particular reference to achievement of the highest possible standards leading to market advantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24418/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe agri-food sector has been well served over the last 20 years by having a series of ten-year strategies to guide its development and we have committed in the Programme for Government that this should continue with the preparation of a new strategy to 2030. A Committee of sectoral stakeholders has been working since late last year on this new strategy. Their terms of reference are to outline the vision and key objectives, with associated actions, required to ensure the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the agri-food sector in the decade ahead.
Last week, I met with the Chair of the Committee to discuss progress and spoke with the Committee members also, and I am satisfied that their work will make a very important contribution to ensuring the future viability and development of the agri-food sector. The Programme for Government has committed to publishing the strategy within six months of Government formation.
The Origin Green programme, which provides proof points of environmental sustainability, from farm level to the processing industry, can contribute to securing a premium position for Irish food and drink in the market place.
In addition, at EU level, the EU Quality Policy aims at protecting the names of specific products to promote their unique characteristics, linked to their geographical origin. Protecting products with a Geographical Indication ensures fair competition for producers and provides consumers with reliable information on the place of production or specific characteristics of a product and can facilitate increased market value. My Department will be working to assess all opportunities for possible new Geographic Indication applications for Irish products.
Question No. 172 answered with Question No. 159.
