Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
685. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that sufficient incentives remain to guard against food shortages as was the original objective when the European Union was first formed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60478/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Common Agricultural Policy has undergone a number of evolutions in terms of its scope and objectives since it began in 1962. It began with the aim to support food production in Europe. That aim is still a core objective of the CAP.
As we begin to implement the next iteration of the CAP, how we achieve this objective is informed by a greater awareness and concern for the impacts of climate change. Therefore, the new CAP has increased its focus on this challenge and will support a more sustainable agricultural sector.
Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023-2027 will contain a range of supports to underpin the sustainable development of Ireland’s farming and food sector.
Along with the Taoiseach and Government colleagues, I launched the Food Vision 2030 strategy in August.
The strategy uses a food systems approach and considered sustainability in all its dimensions - environmental, economic and social. Its ambition is that Ireland will become a world leader in sustainable food systems in the decade ahead, and the draft CAP Strategic Plan will provide support in that process.
Considerable work is being undertaken at EU level to identify actions to address shortcomings in the current food supply chain and crisis response, and to provide a better and coordinated European response to future food supply and food security crises.
The development of an EU Contingency Plan is an action in response to the Form to Fork Strategy stated objective, to “step up coordination of a common European response to crises affecting food ”, which emphasises the necessity of resilient food systems and food security.
I will participate in a discussion on the Contingency Plan at an AgriFish Council in the near future. I look forward to engaging on this important topic and am pleased that it is on the Council's agenda.
