Seanad debates
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Food Harvest 2020 Report: Statements
These targets are ambitious and challenging, but they are achievable. I have no doubt that if the proper resources are put in the sector's way, it will rise to the occasion. Farmers are the most innovative of people; they have always been there and always will be. However, they must receive a fair price for their produce. The report identifies ambitious targets: 20% growth in output value in the sheep sector; 50% growth in output value in the pigmeat sector; an increase in revenue to €1 billion and employment to 14,000 full-time jobs in sea fisheries and aquaculture, with a 78% increase in production in aquaculture; a potential increase of 10% in the value of poultry output; and potential for development in horticulture, with opportunities to replace imported products with homegrown, seasonal produce. We can increase our organic production and there are significant export opportunities, especially to the UK market.
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