Professor Thia Hennessy:

I will start with some of Deputy Kerrane's questions about the role of the agri-food regulator. That is to be welcomed. The focus on fair trading practices between producers and retailers is probably more important in this sector than any other. Establishing a decent price brings me back to my comments about the lack of information and data. We need to understand production costs and how the fuel crisis impacts on the price of bringing carrots to the market, or how a late frost would impact on a decent price. We need that information to inform the agri-food regulators. The agri-food regulator will rely on independent evidence-based advice in terms of what is a decent price. That relates to the Deputy's next question, which is about the research needed and who should do it. She also asked about the role of Teagasc. I emphasise the role of Teagasc to the extent that there needs to be investment in agricultural knowledge and innovation systems, AKIS. If we look at the other sectors of agriculture we see a strong trust relationship between farmers and their farm advisers through Teagasc. Through these types of relationships we can get the valuable data we need about the sector. I see a role for Teagasc but equally for the other research performing organisations in the country, like the universities. The Deputy asked if I am concerned about the sector. I am concerned. It bothers me when I walk into the supermarket and can buy a bag of carrots for 29 cent the week before Christmas because they are on promotion. I know financially and environmentally it costs a lot more than that to bring those products to the market. When product is underpriced like that you are just fuelling the food waste problem because people will buy it and say that because it only cost 29 cent it does not matter if they throw it in the bin. It is a vicious circle, so I am concerned about the price at which fruit and vegetables are being sold. That is obviously impacting on the producer as well. Hopefully the agri-food regulator can play a role here.