Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

I move:

That Dáil Éireann:

—recognises that the single farm payment will dramatically change production practices in Irish farming;

—acknowledges that agricultural exports are currently worth over €7 billion per annum and account for a quarter of net foreign earnings;

—recognises that the agri-food sector accounts for almost one in ten in the workforce;

—notes that the Minister for Agriculture and Food has failed to extend the country of origin label to the catering sector;

—further notes that the Minister for Agriculture and Food has failed to adequately promote Irish food produce by providing a clear and transparent quality food label;

calls on the Government to:

—immediately implement a clear and transparent consumer focused quality food label, which includes the origin and processor of all Irish food produce;

—establish an explicit labelling system for consumers in the catering trade;

—develop an enhanced food promotion programme both within the State and within member states; and

—promote the enhancement of product development from farm to fork to support the viability of family farms.

I wish to share time with Deputies Crawford, Enright and Neville.

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