Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I thank the Deputy for her question and her ongoing interest. The cost of conventional milk production is affected by the cost of inputs and the return, which has been rather disappointing in the recent past. I take this opportunity to urge farmers to consider the overall picture in terms of the cost of inputs and the return. They may be surprised to learn the return on the organic option is a good deal more attractive at present than conventional production. I can verify that the Deputy is correct to state the figure of 11% increase each year in spite of the recession. The sector is holding up and is healthier in terms of an increase in sales than the UK sector. An Bord Bia informs me the sector has bottomed out and is rising again despite the fact there is a recession in the UK as well. The opportunities and indicators point in the right direction for those who chose organic production.

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