Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Competitiveness is literally a life and death issue for our food firms, and ultimately for farm incomes and the commercial future of farming. This is the longest chapter of this plan, covering over 90 specific actions including a substantial change in the milk quota scheme which will commence in 2007. The new arrangements will facilitate consolidation of holdings, increase sufficiency and contribute to more competitive milk production. There will also be a strategic plan for the competitive development of the sheepmeat sector. A high-level group of CEOs of the food agencies, chaired by the Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Brendan Smith, will be established to ensure and implement a fully consolidated approach towards the development of the food sector. I will also establish a food industry committee, again chaired by Deputy Brendan Smith, comprised of senior representatives of the industry to identify issues impeding the development of the sector.

We will support Bord Bia in providing assistance to companies developing value-added business in continental EU markets and overseas. We aim to double the value of food and drink exports to Asia over three years.