John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish the Minister and the Minister of State well for the term ahead. I know the Minister well. He has a personal story of growing up on a farm. His is a farm family. With his experience and knowledge, he brings a great amount to the Department. That is only going to benefit farmers over the term ahead.

Agriculture is undoubtedly the backbone of our economy. The local economy in Offaly is no different in this regard. We have a long and proud tradition of food production. I acknowledge producers such as the Haslam family of Mossfield Organic Farm, known for its cheese, and the Bracken family of Fox Covert Farm. I recognise them because of what they have achieved in terms of the global awards they have won. We very much have a reputation on the global stage for high-quality produce. In light of the commitment of producers and their dedication to achieving quality and innovation, long may that reputation obtain.

There are sectors that enjoy nationwide supports. I refer, for example to the areas relating to food or drink. There is a need across the wider industry in this regard. I refer to the supports given. Money spent locally in agriculture stays local and benefits the economy in a particular area. This includes farmers, input suppliers, merchants, agricultural contractors and various advisory services. On a national level, we need to ensure that we protect and grow the sector. We need to promote Irish farming and what it produces rather than demoting it. Other Deputies spoke about Mercosur. I do not think Irish farmers have ever shied away from a bit of competition. We are particularly proud of the quality of the food we produce. We do need an equal playing field, however, whether we are talking about oversupply in the market, maintaining the highest standards, implementing strict food safety and traceability or protecting our environment and reputation in the area of sustainability. We must ensure this is achieved.

In order to protect traditional farms, we must give them the opportunity to diversify and grow. For argument's sake, I have seen the local enterprise office and development company in Offaly assisting food producers. I have seen many examples of this over the years. Materials like wool were almost waste products a couple of years ago. Companies like Dooleys Wool have reimagined their businesses and are now producing a top-quality product for the local market. Such firms are now able to get a price they could never have achieved by selling overseas or relying on markets to which the cost of shipping goods is excessive. The many risks involved in that regard also had to be considered. We need to look at this matter.

In other countries, there has been a real focus on how to do not just agrifood and other agri-products but also agri-accommodation. There is an aspect of this context that we need to look at through the lens of the EU Presidency. Initiatives are already in place around traditional buildings and grant schemes. The question is how we can we maintain family farms by giving people the option to diversify and grow alternative revenue streams. It has proved successful in other areas and it is something we should be looking at here.

Turning to agricultural shows, I live in County Offaly. The Tullamore show is the largest one-day event on the island. We will have the National Ploughing Championships in the county this year. We must continue to support shows. They provide a great opportunity to showcase our producers, from those in the very early stages right through to fully-fledged farmers, and what they do.

We have talked about succession. The reality is that we must appeal to people to get involved in family farms, and they must get a return for doing so. We need to support innovation. We can look at the likes of initiatives such as the Irish Angus competition. Four transition year students from a local secondary school at home, Moya Guinan, Ben Younge, Joseph McLoughney and Jack O'Meara, with their teacher Laura Grant, applied for this competition, went through the full rigours of it, displayed calves at the shows and the National Ploughing Championships and went from success to success. They have provided inspiration and showed what can be done through innovation and rethinking and giving the power to young farmers, as well as the belief that there is a future in this sector. We must protect such people by means of the likes of the agrifood regulator.

Reference was made to payment schemes. There is a need for an agri-focused rainy day fund. I firmly believe that the message that needs to be sent out time and again from this Chamber is that we are here to support farmers, to work with them and to ensure their long-term stability and viability.

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