Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

The Minister has secured national discretion in the CAP health check for the operation of specific supports funded from the single payment ceiling. Last night he stated:

I have previously expressed my concern for the sheep sector in particular and have repeatedly acknowledged that this sector needs support, given its importance. . . The sector remains a priority and is one that needs assistance. I have no doubt that proposals to support the sheep sector will form a central part of the discussions to which I have invited the farm organisations later this month.

Like other sectors of the economy, Irish agriculture is undergoing a challenging period but it is not without opportunities. An example of these opportunities is the market for organic production, which has grown by 82% in the past two years.

See this speech in context