Professor Frank O'Mara:

The data are always important and are the basis on which we can make good decisions. The issue with the horticultural sector, in comparison with other sectors, is that it is very easy for us to identify, say, a subsample of dairy or beef farmers and keep them anonymous. The horticultural sector, however, comprises several different subsectors, so in an area such as broccoli or cauliflower growing, there may be only two or three growers in the country. Their information is very sensitive to one another and, therefore, it is challenging to get data in that type of environment. They are also, obviously, concerned about their consolidators and retailers having access to their detailed production costs and so on. Against that background, the information is difficult to collect.

Having that said that, there is a recognition that we need better sources of data, so we are starting a project to see how we can get meaningful data that will help when we are in circumstances such as we are now and need to know the cost of production or the profit margins in sectors.

Mr. Callaghan might wish to come in here.