Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Neary. I have a question for Professor Hennessy, although some of these questions might be for her and Professor O'Riordan. In her opening statement, Professor Hennessy gave a figure of 83% importation. We talked about that. The reality is that it is not about seeking markets for export. It is about reducing what we are importing by growing our own and doing more ourselves. She mentioned the cost of production and the need for much more data and research. Does she see the agrifood regulator playing much of a role with regard to horticulture, particularly, as has been said, with regard to cost right across the supply chain, which is important?

Professor Hennessy emphasised the need for research. Does she see Teagasc as the lead on that? Who does she see as responsible for getting that work done? Does she see that as the number one priority in order to kick off trying to grow and develop our horticulture sector? Does she have concerns about the current state of the sector? There is obviously a need for action.

There may be some crossover in my question for Professor O'Riordan. She mentioned in her opening statement that below-cost selling is a major issue. Perhaps there will be a role for the agrifood regulator with regard to that. I am aware of some supermarkets that offer maybe a four- or five-year contract to some fruit or vegetable growers. Perhaps that could be looked at to give the grower some certainty in investing and continuing to do what they do and to guarantee them a decent price, which is important.

I also refer to the line about horticulture having the potential to become a flagship sustainable food system in Ireland. I agree, and I think we all agree, with that. Will the witnesses expand on what that will look like? They also mentioned the exceptional payment scheme, which is welcome but not a long-term solution. What is the solution? I have the same question about research. They made a point about the integrated approach, which I think is right. Finally, what would it look like to use the circular economy approach for fruit and vegetables?