Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

The EU Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner has said the programme can be a model for the rest of Europe, particularly during the process of organising the fruit and vegetable sector over the coming months. That process is due to conclude in January. We hope the operation of the programme can be expanded.

We have prioritised horticulture in recent years when giving grants to fruit and vegetable developments. There has been substantial investment in on-farm and processing facilities. Deputy Upton is aware that considerable resources are being devoted to the food institutional research programme. Research and innovation are taking place in the public sector and in private companies. Work is being done not only in our universities and institutes of technology, but in Teagasc as the lead authority. The mission statement of the Agri-Vision 2015 report places a particular emphasis on the future competitiveness of our food industry, which needs to be consumer-focused. Our food industry will develop by concentrating on the provision of nutritious, safe and high-quality food for our citizens. Considerable resources have been disbursed and are being expended. Further resources have been committed for the next few years in the Estimates of the Department of Agriculture and Food. The food sector will be a major beneficiary of the Government's strategy for innovation in science. There is support for innovation and research in all areas. We have emphasised the need for innovation in the development of alternative forms of healthy and nutritious food. We intend to continue to accelerate that programme. The emphasis we have placed on fruit and vegetables in recent years will pay dividends.

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