Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Prior to a brief supplementary question, I would like to welcome the national label initiative, and I hope it comes about shortly as it is long overdue. Does the Minister of State accept that it is necessary to review constantly the reasons Ireland does not maintain the progress made in other countries that have less to boast about in terms of their agricultural traditions? Does he regard the genetic modification situation as an impediment or threat to the development of the organic sector? Does he regard Teagasc as being sufficiently on board to assist smaller producers who are more likely to see the advantages of conversion and to be in a position to move to organic? It needs to focus more on the potential of smaller producers. Organic producers say that Teagasc is much more focused on larger producers and apparently is not that interested in small organic units. Will the Minister of State say whether Teagasc has its mindset correctly adjusted to ensure that organic potential is reached?

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