Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

This is why I have repeatedly said that I have a dual priority. The first is to meet the targets in Food Harvest 2020. The second is to develop the potential of a significant opportunity for increased agri-food production while at the same time trying to support parts of the country which do not have the capacity to avail of the opportunities for growth because of farm size, fertility of land and a series of other restrictions, such as SAC designation.

However, we must work to increase the productivity and efficiency of small farms and smallholdings with limitations in land type and fertility. We must encourage farming communities to improve their production in order to gain from the market. There is a vast difference to be noted between efficient dairy farmers and those who are less efficient but on similar types of holdings. There is a significant difference between good and bad farming. This holds as much for disadvantaged areas as for the fertile fields of east Cork. It is a case of ensuring that everybody can maximise the potential of their holding whatever the challenges and restrictions. Supports are available by means of disadvantaged area payments and through schemes such as AEOS and REPS. We must not lose sight of the fact that for many farmers there is always more to learn about improving the efficiency of their holdings. This could result in a more sustainable and exciting growth story in the agri-sector.

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