Mr. Stephen Meredith:

The point we really want to get across today is that we have an organic action plan and we need to update it to link it with the European Green Deal and the action plan relating to it, but that means putting money behind actions. We can no longer be in a situation in which you have the best will in the world with an organic strategy group but there is no real money behind it. We really need to understand how much CAP money will be used to develop organic farmland and to maximise the environmental performance organic farmers can deliver. Ms Westbrook and Ms Maher have mentioned the research. Then we need to look at marketing. Bord Bia does some really good stuff for the agriculture sector overall. There are a number of interesting initiatives for organic but we need a coherent strategy behind them. It can no longer be a case of initiatives here and there. We need a clear strategy as to how Bord Bia will push organics market development further in Ireland. Also, we need to draw down the funds that are available. Looking at the promotional programming, not a single amount of the money drawn down in Ireland went to organics, whereas in Denmark and Austria, for example, at least a third of that money went specifically to the organic sector. It is really about looking at the national funds and the EU funds and having a clear package that we can link. We can have nice words and action plans and strategies, but if there is not money behind them, we will not reach the 7% target, or even 12% and beyond. We really need to capitalise. The markets are there and farmers are interested but they need to have a clear pathway to make that move. As I said, it does not happen overnight.