Mr. John Keane:

That figure reduced during a period when the value of our products increased and the overall value of the industry increased. When we look at Food Vision 2030 and the ambition to reach €21 billion over that period of time, if the trajectory of the return of the value from the food chain of the farmer continues, despite the value of our product increasing, it will not be delivering for farmers. That is not a situation farmers can tolerate.

In regard to the solution piece, I recognise measures regarding the unfair trading practices, UTPs, have a role to play. However, when the measures on UTPs were being drafted and were out for public consultation, Macra na Feirme looked for a number of additions to them to further protect farmers. I cannot provide those off the top of my head right now. They are not on the tip of my tongue, but we can certainly send them on to the Deputy. It was more in line with ensuring that the farmer at the base level had more of a say, more control, and more sight over what happened within the supply chain.

We recognise the food ombudsman has a role in providing clarity and to help redistribute that. We understand there is a procedure and a protocol that has to be gone through. From a farmer's point of view, in general, we recognise that in the 2021 budget, €1 million was set aside for the establishment and development of the national food ombudsman. Roll the clock 12 months forward, in the 2022 budget, which we heard in October, €4 million was set aside for the establishment and development of the national food ombudsman. Some 12 months further on, from a layman's and a farmer's point of view, we have not seen much progress in the establishment or development of that. We understand it is not among the regulations and the Bills in the Houses before Christmas. There is an urgency around this. Ensuring farmers have a valued place within the food supply chain has never been more important. From a young farmer's and a farmer's point of view, it begs the question of the urgency around ensuring that clarity is brought to the sector and that redistribution of supply and power is brought into the sector. From our side of things, urgency is needed on that given that we are 13 or 14 months on since the initial allocation of €1 million for its establishment and development.