Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy on the importance of protecting and supporting family farm income. There have been more part-time farmers over the past ten, 20 or 30 years. Whether farmers are part-time or full-time, my objective has been that through the schemes and income generation opportunities we deliver in government, we make it worth their while. Food Vision 2030 is a very strong programme, vision and strategy to develop the sector and ensure that the family farm model stays at the centre of our agricultural industry.

I chair the monitoring and implementation committee every couple of months, which comprises representatives across the sector, in order to make sure that we drive forward with the implementation of the various actions set out in the strategy. In due course, we will update the strategy. It is important that the family farm model is absolutely central to that. I thank the Deputy for her contribution to the discussion and her commitment to the family farm model. I look forward to continuing that journey and supporting farmers in any way we can.

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