Mr. Michael O'Brien:

I will respond and leave the final comment to Ms Moore. The questions are related. On the question on trade, the evidence clearly shows that in the 1960s, many African countries were more food secure than today and were net food exporters. Today, more countries in Africa are food insecure and are net food importers. The international trading system, in terms of agricultural livelihoods, has not benefited or worked for the small-scale producer, generally speaking. That is why, along with the environmental concerns, about which we have become much more aware, and in terms of the need for an effective climate response, there is great merit in linking the farmers in question with their local markets and developing local market opportunities so they can derive an additional income in addition to being food secure. Local, national and regional markets should be emphasised rather than international markets.

With regard to protein and sourcing that protein, there is a significant challenge. Diversification of agricultural systems is critical to meeting it. We are not going to comment specifically on the Irish context, but internationally we are examining supporting the more biodiverse systems in light of their being more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.