Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Like the previous speakers, I welcome the gentlemen. Their presentations were very good. I have been a dairy producer for the past 20 odd years and I know of all the difficulties involved in that. How hopeful are the witnesses that we can achieve the Food Harvest 2020 target of a 50% increase in milk production, which is a significant increase? This year farmers have had to face high super levy bills, which will set them back a good deal in terms of their expectations. The soft landing issue must be a serious one for consideration. If farmers have to face high super levies in the coming year, dairy farmers in particular will definitely not be able to achieve the potential that has been set out. I agree with the assertion that this is an exciting time in terms of Food Harvest 2020. There are many challenges but there is great potential to be achieved. However, if farmers have more such set backs they will not achieve that potential.