Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It was not today or yesterday when the priority for Bord Bia was set as aiming at the higher end of the market. There has been that realisation for a long time. Origin Green is based on the slogan of safe, sustainable and secure produce which has resonance throughout the globe. However, it is a competitive market. I remember my father buying shares in Cork Marts IMP, into which he put some money over 50 years ago. It bought into the meat business and it was its worst day's work ever. It was literally burnt alive. I hate to use that pun, but that is what happened. It is a really competitive business. Everyone lost money on that venture. We need everyone in the room together discussing and agreeing on a way to produce beef or dairy products - whatever the commodity - such that everyone will feel he or she is part of the process. We must have a return for the primary producers because young people will not enter farming unless they have a lifestyle. I have been saying this for years.

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