Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
688. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied that the Irish food producing sector will remain viable into the future notwithstanding CAP reform and carbon reduction measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60481/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that I am very confident that the Irish agrifood sector will remain viable into the future, and is well positioned to address both challenges and opportunities arising from CAP reform and climate action.
I was delighted to launch the new Food Vision 2030 strategy with the Taoiseach and Government colleagues in August.
For some 20 years, the Irish agrifood sector has benefited from having a coherent, stakeholder-led vision and strategy to underpin the sector’s continued development and I believe Food Vision is a landmark for the Irish agrifood sector with the potential to transform our agriculture, food, forestry and marine sectors in the period to 2030, with sustainability at its core.
Food Vision 2030 sets the ambition that, “Ireland will become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) over the next decade. This will deliver significant benefits for the Irish agrifood sector itself, for Irish society and the environment. In demonstrating the Irish agrifood sector meets the highest standards of sustainability – economic, environmental, and social – this will also provide the basis for the future competitive advantage of the sector. By adopting an integrated food systems approach, Ireland will seek to become a global leader of innovation for sustainable food and agriculture systems, producing safe, nutritious, and high-value food that tastes great, while protecting and enhancing our natural and cultural resources and contributing to vibrant rural and coastal communities and the national economy” .
To achieve that ambition, Food Vision provides a strategic framework for the sector and recommends over 200 actions under 22 goals, guided by four high-level missions:
1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector;
2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being;
3. Food that is safe, nutritious and appealing: trusted and valued at home and abroad and 4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, driven by Technology and Talent.
Food Vision 2030 sets challenging environmental goals, including becoming a climate-neutral food system by 2050, with verifiable progress achieved by 2030, encompassing emissions reductions, carbon sequestration, air, biodiversity and water quality.
At the same time Food Vision looks to protect and build on Ireland's global reputation as a trusted supplier of high quality, safe, sustainable food to consumers at home and abroad. The sector has set itself an ambition of reaching €21 billion in exports by 2030, driven by value rather than volume.
The next iteration of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which starts in 2023, aims to foster a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector that can support the livelihoods of farmers and provide healthy and sustainable food for society, as well as ensuring vibrant rural areas.
Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023-2027 will underpin the sustainable development of Ireland’s farming and food sector by supporting viable farm incomes and enhancing competitiveness, by strengthening the socio-economic fabric of rural areas, and by contributing to the achievement of environmental and climate objectives at national and EU levels.
The new CSP is structured around the achievement of three general objectives, as set out in EU legislation, including “- to foster a smart, competitive, resilient and diversified agricultural sector ensuring long term food security”.
Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2021 is the most ambitious ever produced. I believe the targets for agriculture will help make Irish farms more environmentally efficient and build a more sustainable agrifood sector.
While the plan sets ambitious climate mitigation targets for farming, it also recognises the special position of the sector in producing high quality food and supporting a balanced regional economy. These commitments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are challenging but I know our sector is committed to the challenge.
I believe that the Irish agrifood sector is dynamic and innovative, ready to adapt and to embrace change for a more sustainable future.
