Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We must have a functioning, competitive marketplace. In this context we must find ways to increase the negotiating power of primary producers of food to ensure that they are not solely price takers when they go to market. To help us in this regard, the EU has proposed that the producer group model be supported. It is active in other parts of Europe but not as active in certain parts of Ireland's agrifood sector. We can help to finance it, but there are no simple solutions unless we start setting margins and prices. That would fundamentally undermine the competitiveness of Irish producers.

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