Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I also want to raise the importance of including in the legislation the cost of production to the primary producer. I know the Minister took issue with the term "foodstuffs" when my colleague, Deputy Carthy discussed this with him on Committee Stage. He will see from our amendment on Report Stage that we have changed that to "agricultural and food products" to try to make it more specific and base it on the definitions that are set out in the Bill. It is very much about transparency and fairness. I see no reason the Minister would not include that the regulator would look at the cost of production if we are to ensure farmers get a fair price for their produce, we have to know first what it is costing them. That is transparent and clear. This is also an amendment that was sought. It is in the pre-legislative scrutiny report. Farm organisations and farmers themselves individually have sought its inclusion. As has been said, it is really important that when we do this, we do it right. That means looking from start to finish at cost. The cost to the primary producer is really important. If farmers are to get a fair price, we need to know what the cost is. This is a reasonable amendment which I hope the Minister will consider.

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