Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is a serious worry at present about the Common Agricultural Policy and the possible outcomes of that debate from a national as well as European perspective. The survival of the family farm goes beyond economics and is essential for the maintenance of the social fabric of our society. It is our job as legislators, whether in government or in opposition, to try to ensure we get the best possible deal to ensure the survival of the family farm.

As I see it, Europe is in crisis, we are in economic difficulties, and austerity is raging. People have less and less money in their pockets. Unless there is a support mechanism for farmers to produce food at an affordable level, we will be entering very dangerous territory. It was mentioned that hedge funds were investing in food production. That will present difficulties. It would mean that human survival would be controlled by the market.