Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which farm incomes will develop in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24978/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Competitiveness is the major issue for the farm sector. It will dictate the commercial future of our farms and ultimately it will decide farm income. For this reason, the longest Chapter in the Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan is devoted to the issue of competitiveness and there are 93 specific actions to be undertaken.

The State's role is to facilitate a climate that assists competitive drive and innovation and thereby maximise farm income. It is important that farmers position themselves to take advantage of significant State investment in agricultural research, training and advice on best practice. They must evaluate their own practices and techniques and avail of the advice and research from expert organisations such as Teagasc. They must recognise, and be recognised for, their crucial role in the management of the supply chain and the development of a value-added industry. Ultimately, it is for farmers themselves, applying their skills and training, who will determine their own future.