Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 452: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the overall benefits which producers and consumers will likely gain in 2007 arising from developments in the EU and her Department's policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3958/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I expect that there will be major benefits for producers and consumers in 2007 arising out of the on-going implementation of reformed CAP and the wide range of measures envisaged under the National Development Plan.

The introduction of the full decoupling of direct payments under the Single Payment Scheme ensures that farmers now have the 'freedom to farm' and that the CAP will be geared towards the demands of the market and consumers. The Single Payment Scheme is linked to respect of food safety, animal welfare and environmental standards. Farmers will receive payments of about €1.3 billion in 2007 while consumers will be guaranteed a supply of safe food, produced to high animal welfare and environmental standards, at a reasonable cost. In addition, producers will benefit from CAP market supports such as export refunds and intervention arrangements which are implemented by reference to developments in the markets during the year.

Producers and consumers will also benefit from the wide range of measures provided for under the National Development Plan which includes the draft Rural Development programme which was submitted to the Commission in December and is awaiting approval. Total funding of €8.7 billion is provided for the agri-food sector over the period 2007 to 2013. The objectives are to improve competitiveness at farm level, promote environmental protection, develop the food processing industry and fund Research and Development. The overall programme of expenditure is based on my vision for the future of the sector as outlined in the AgriVision 2015 Action Plan. My aim is to establish an efficient, competitive, consumer focused industry which will contribute to a vibrant rural economy, society and environment. Focusing on the needs of the consumer will be vital to the development of the sector and is a key element of my policy approach.