Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)

That is right. The new policy framework will ensure a more market-oriented and sustainable agriculture and food industry, which will benefit farmers and consumers alike. Agriculture continues to make a major contribution to the Irish economy and society and we are highly dependent on a strong and viable CAP. Irish agriculture contributes 200,000 jobs, €7 billion in exports and large net foreign earnings that are mainly redistributed within Ireland. In the longer term, I believe that the Luxembourg agreement and the full decoupling of payments from production will be seen as safeguarding its future and creating the conditions for farmers to prosper.