Mr. Bobby Miller:

One of the first things I would like to see introduced is a quality assurance payment for quality crops and the full traceability of those crops. I wish to touch on Deputy Cahill's point about GM. We would have no intention of building a wall around the country as regards grain being imported. All we would be asking for is that what is imported is GM-free. We would not suggest excluding the importation of grain, which we must do, although it is unfortunate that we have got to the point that we have to import our grain. However, everything is about branding and marketing these days. It would make marketing sense for all sectors in this country, whether dairy, beef, lamb or otherwise, to chase the higher end markets.

Some 11% of the world's baby formula comes from Irish dairy products and traceability is key for this market into the future. Lately we saw the repercussions of the Brazilian beef scare. Our focus has been the dairy sector, which is doing very well and fair play to those involved. We are not here to chastise them for one second. However, if there is a food scare of some description and it is traced back to this country, it could have a damning effect on the rural economy. At present, inside the Pale - a word I hate to use but it is easy for lads from the countryside to understand the term - there is great growth. However, if there is any twitch at all in the wrong direction, those in the countryside are looking at devastation. It is, therefore, key that we have traceability and are aiming for the higher end markets.

The tillage sector affects every other sector in the country. The merchants and food processors all realise that the tillage sector has to be sorted out. We have lots of solutions if people want to listen to us. I know everything will not be solved here today but we appreciate the offer to come here today to start the ball rolling.