Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have referred to organic farming and the need for change and for us to look at how we can make the typical Irish family farm sustainable. Farmers often say to me that it is a niche market and too limited. It has not been accepted that if people want to have sustainable farming and rural communities, they will have to pay a little more than they are for a range of produce. I want to get a sense that the consumer is being so educated. This is applicable globally, not just to Bord Bía. Are we really engaging with and explaining to consumers that if they want to know about animal welfare and achieve environmental standards and the sustainability of rural communities, they will have to pay a little more for that quality produce? If they want to make sure climate change and environmental standards are adhered to, they will have to pay a little more. How are the delegates joining up the dots? Deputy Thomas Pringle's question was fair, as was Mr. Maloney's response. The committee presented that structure to the delegates. How does one ensure consumers are educated in order that they understand they will have to pay a little more? Where does the plan all fit together? Are we heading down the road towards big ranches, meat factories and major producers and in the process letting the small family farm model to die eventually?

One of the issues that came up in the context of Brexit was that of all-Ireland markets. Is Bord Bía happy that there is an all-island approach in the dairy sector and that it is facilitating the adoption of that approach? Do the delegates believe dairy processors in the North are at a significant disadvantage compared to those in the South? Is there a partnership with their counterparts in the North? The Government and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are talking about the need to ensure there will be no barriers to trade and that there will be an all-Ireland approach to the agrifood sector, but I am picking up on criticism of Bord Bía's approach in that it seems barriers are being put in place in adopting a genuine all-Ireland approach. Processors are reporting difficulties in accessing schemes Bord Bía is promoting in this state. Is that a fair criticism? Is Bord Bía aware of and working on it?