Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to introduce farm partnership legislation; the discussion he has had with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on the reform of the existing partnership law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25293/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Farm partnerships have the potential to play an important role in the development of the agriculture sector in the coming years. As well as bringing improved economic returns and social benefits to farm families, a wider adoption of the partnership model can improve the competitiveness of the sector as a whole and help to achieve increased scale at lower cost. This will result in greater productivity and increased agri-food exports, thereby supporting our export led economic recovery.

One of the key recommendations of the Food Harvest 2020 strategy is that obstacles to farm partnership should be removed insofar as possible. My Department is actively working towards the removal of these administrative obstacles to farm partnership formation. It is also engaged in an ongoing dialogue with farming organisations and with Teagasc on how to encourage the formation of more farm partnerships in Ireland. The question of partnership legislation may indeed be considered in this context, and may involve engagement with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. In the meantime, I am pleased to note that Teagasc will organise a publicity campaign promoting the positive benefits and experiences of partnership, followed by information seminars to provide more in-depth and practical advice to individuals interested in entering a farm partnership. I would encourage all farmers to reflect on the potential benefits of partnership and other forms of collaboration.