Mr. Padraig Brennan:

I thank the Senator for his questions and comments. They were all constructive, in fairness.

To return to the previous question and to be clear, Bord Bia absolutely sees potential for growth in the organics sector. When we consider the investments being made through the organic farming scheme and organic processing investment grant scheme, we realise there are positive signals. These give confidence on the ground regarding the investment and support that will exist.

Dr. Ryan touched on a really important point in her last answer. Much of the potential will not be realised if we do not co-ordinate. Co-ordination will be critical right through the supply chain. There is no point in us finding market opportunities if we do not have the supply and there is no point in supply if we do not have the market opportunities. It really requires strong co-ordination right across the sector. That is why the organic sector strategy group is critical. A comment was made earlier that we need to start again. I do not believe we do; we need to utilise the existing strategy group and collectively figure out how to address some of the challenges. There is no point in us believing everything is straightforward. If we are to realise the potential, there will be challenges to overcome but we will overcome them only if we proceed in a co-ordinated manner.

Bord Bia tries to take a market-led approach to everything it does. We have a proven track record in investing our budget where we see demand and an opportunity to grow, be it in the organic sector or any of the conventional sectors. In making our investments and in light of the market insight study on future opportunities and barriers to be overcome, it is a question of us collectively identifying the prize and the barriers that have to be overcome to get it. That is critical for us. We will take a very flexible approach to how much of our budget is allocated to the organics sector as opposed to anything else as and when we see the potential. It is not simply a matter of ring-fencing; it is a matter of identifying the potential and what needs to be invested to stand the best chance of availing of the opportunities that exist. We are committed to taking this market-led approach to everything we do in terms of organics but co-ordination will make the difference between being collectively successful and, I hope, coming back here on a future date and saying we are on the right track and being in the challenging circumstances we have been in for the past few years.