Margaret Conlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Aylward for agreeing to share a few minutes of his time with me. Last night I spoke on credit for small and medium-sized enterprises during Private Members' business. I welcome the way we are positioning Ireland to be successful in selling goods and services abroad and the way we are winning global investment and attracting visitors from around the world. I lauded the Government's approach in its latest integrated trade, tourism and investment plan, which included a number of targets relevant to agriculture. We want to increase the number of export-focused jobs and the value of exports. In difficult times our exports are holding up and doing well. We want to ensure this continues. We want to diversify into other areas and markets. This plan will help farmers and firms expand their market share overseas and will boost food exports. The policies and initiatives are not standalone but part of an integrated Government strategy to get our economy moving in the right direction. Agriculture is Ireland's most important indigenous industry. It will play a crucial role in our eventual recovery from the current situation. It played an important role in the past and the old saying is that when the farmer is happy, everyone is happy. When the farmer has a good harvest, he gets good yields and payment and money is distributed through the local economy as the farmer pays bills. It is a major boost to the local economy.

Food Harvest 2020 provides the crucial framework for agriculture. I am a Deputy from a primarily rural Border constituency and agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy. I welcome the vision for agriculture as outlined in Food Harvest 2020. I come from a farming background and my husband is a farmer. I understand the considerable complexities of the agricultural industry, which are recognised in the Food Harvest 2020 report. The report outlines the key actions needed to ensure the sector contributes to export-led economic recovery and the full development of the smart economy. These are two areas I have advocated in this Chamber while speaking on other issues. The report is exhaustive in its targets and recommendations. I welcome some of the contents. I welcome that the implementation group will be convened in different formations to allow farmers, co-ops and food companies to contribute to the implementation process. That is important.

The ending of milk quotas in 2015 will give us the opportunity to grow our milk output. A target of a 50% increase in milk production by 2020 has been set. We have had significant investment in dairying and we must harness the investment. In my constituency, the pigmeat sector is important and has contributed approximately €300 million to farm output in 2009. A target of 50% growth in the value of output in the pig industry is achievable. Poultry farming is also extensive and is synonymous with my region. The output value of poultry production is approximately €150 million annually. The sector is entirely domestically focused. There are opportunities in the industry to reduce costs and achieve greater efficiency. If these opportunities are available, there is potential for a 10% increase in the value of poultry.

Agriculture will play a significant role in our recovery and while some may say that targets outlined are ambitious, we have the potential to meet targets. We need a positive, can-do attitude. I want to see brand Ireland at the heart of our markets. We must build on our strengths, of which the agrifood sector is one. It will continue to remain at the forefront of international company competitors. The targets for smart, green growth can be achieved.

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