Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
41. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of his Department’s efforts to improve food production sustainability in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55512/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFood Vision 2030 is our shared stakeholder-led strategy for the continued development of the agri-food sector in Ireland, with the ambition for Ireland to be a “World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems". A sustainable food system is one that is profitable throughout (economic sustainability); has a positive or neutral impact on the natural environment (environmental sustainability); and has broad based benefits for society (social sustainability).
Food Vision sets out four high-level Missions for all stakeholders to work towards: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.4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent. I am committed to leading on Food Vision as I know that its success depends on effective implementation and oversight. I have established a High Level Implementation Committee and have already chaired eight meetings. I am pleased to say that implementation of Food Vision 2030 is well underway, with many of its actions commenced, including important work on environmental sustainability in the dairy and beef sectors, which are being progressed through specific stakeholder groups.
Among the key achievements to date are:• The development of Sustainability Plans for the Dairy and Beef Sectors.• The work of the Seafood Sector Taskforce.• The publication of Ireland’s Forest Strategy (2023 – 2030).• The publication of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.• Ireland’s participation in the UN Food Systems Summit.• The publication of the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027.• The establishment of the Food Vision Tillage Group.• The launch of a new flagship environmental scheme, ACRES.• The hosting of the first National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture, a report from which will be presented to cabinet very soon. The first Food Vision Annual Report was published in May 2023. In terms of overall progress to date, out of 218 actions across four mission, 14 actions are complete, 108 actions have substantial action undertaken, 92 actions have commenced and are progressing with only four actions not yet commenced. The Irish CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 has the highest ever available budget of €9.8 billion, and more than 60% of that (just under €6 billion) is targeted at supporting farm incomes. The CAP objectives aim to improve the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the agricultural sector, and we have seen a real shift in focus towards supporting farmers for practices that benefit the climate, environment and biodiversity. In Ireland’s case, a significant element of our CAP funding is targeted towards delivering on environmental and climate objectives. At EU level we have the second highest amount of CAP funding dedicated to environmental action, almost 70% of the Pillar 2 Rural Development funding, including €1.5 billion for a new agri-environment scheme, ACRES, and a five-fold increase in funding for organic farming. I am confident that, with this increased CAP funding, and Food Vision 2030 as a strategic framework, Ireland’s agri-food sector is well placed to achieve its ambition to become a world leader in sustainable food systems.
