Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)

I second the motion. I welcome the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan, and her officials to the House.

Agriculture is in a place in the broader political agenda today where it has not been seen for many years. This is due to the challenges that have arisen in the sector, the CAP reform, decoupling of payments, avian flu, the beef industry, the nitrates directive, biofuels and diversity. These issues are everyday issues for us because of the link between agriculture and many consumer and health issues. However, they also reflect the seriousness of the challenges faced by farms and farming families in today's open economy.

This motion and our discussion on the agrifood sector see agriculture as a key element of our economy and a cornerstone of our rural communities. It is evidence of the priority the Progressive Democrats and this Government assign to agriculture. The agrifood sector deserves the leadership the Government provides, in concert with the representations of the various dedicated farming groups that work in its interests on a daily basis.

I commend the Minister for her commitment to meet the challenges facing our most important natural resource-based industry. It is right that this motion and this House recognises that. We must also acknowledge the work of many of the farming groups which help farmers in difficult times. Such groups are often only in the news when a challenge arises and the agricultural sector faces a problem or when their members need them most. We must commend them for making the case on behalf of farmers and consumers.

The recent publication of the plan for the future of the agrifood sector is a most welcome and important development. The three elements at the heart of the plan, competitiveness, innovation and consumer-focused marketing, are synonymous with the policy approach of my party on these issues and will serve the agricultural sector well as it moves forward through the choppy waters arising from changes in farming and agrifood enforcement. These elements also underpinned our recent party seminar, chaired by Deputy Parlon, on biofuels as an alternative for Irish farmers. Approximately 400 people attended a lively discussion on the feasibility of crop production for the biofuel industry, given that Ireland needs to find alternative forms of energy production. The question posed was whether crop production for the biofuel industry offers a financially viable alternative for Irish farmers.

The same elements also informed the relevant section of the Progressive Democrats' energy policy discussion paper, launched earlier this month by Deputy Fiona O'Malley. This document makes specific proposals in light of the competitive difficulties now faced by Irish farmers in finding profitable outlets for traditional farm enterprises, including the development of energy crops.

The plan for the future of the agrifood sector also refers to a belief that has been central to my party's ethos on this sector, namely, that the Irish agrifood sector can and should compete with the best in the world. The plan comprises 166 specific actions to be implemented in the near future, in response to the report of the Agri-Vision 2015 committee.

Certain aspects of the plan are very welcome, particularly the consideration of a broad selection of reports and sources of information, including the work of the energy strategy group. However, I am concerned that the boast that the plan contains 166 recommendations could hold a hidden challenge. I am aware of another plan that boasts of 90 recommendations for a particular sector and its key stakeholders. In recent times, the large number of actions have become part of an explanation as to why it is taking so long for that plan to be implemented. I ask the Minister to try to ensure that expectations and timeliness are managed and realistic. If not, the plan could move from being a source of optimism and vision to one of frustration and impatience.

Successful operations in successful sectors have always been willing and able to embrace and exploit changes impacting on them. Changes in Irish consumer lifestyles and needs are often sought by innovative operators to allow them to exploit their talents. That is what the Progressive Democrats wish for the Irish agrifood sector, that it be confident to embrace change and talented enough to adapt to it.

The Progressive Democrats have, for 20 years, stressed the importance of technology and research and development as significant drivers of enterprise, innovation and progress in all areas of our economy. It is an ethos that has served Ireland well in the information technology, pharmaceutical and software industries in particular. It is also one that will help Ireland's agricultural sector to prosper, despite the major changes in the structure of farming and retailing.

In that context, I congratulate the Government and the Minister for Agriculture and Food on prioritising increased funding for research and development this year and also under the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The agrifood sector is facing change and enormous challenges. The motion before us recognises this and sets out clearly the Government's vision as to how Ireland's agrifood sector can succeed, rather than struggle with enforcement. I commend the motion to the House.