Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations, which were interesting. We could have sat and listened for longer. Mr. Coughlan talked about genomic evaluations for farmers and his desire to ensure the continuation of the small-scale farmer and the traditional farm. Could these changes have the opposite effect? In being so organised and technologically savvy, do we run the risk of emerging with only large farms? The data and the capacity to gather data exist, which inadvertently drives us towards a factory farm landscape.

Does Dr. Kelly's organisation have the capacity to sell its capabilities? Could other organisations or companies hire the ICBF for its expertise?

Is broadband an issue? Many people feel pressure in this regard. There will always be farmers who are reluctant to take part because they see it as a step too far. Have the witnesses targeted the farmers for whom the prospect of computers and technology is a step too far? Has such targeting been unnecessary? The witnesses are very successful but there are always some obstacles in the path.