John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 535: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the plans in place to implement the recommendation in the 2020 dairy sector road map published by the dairy expansion activation group which sets out the actions required to achieve the target of a 50% increase in milk production following the end of the milk quota scheme in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27109/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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From a dairying perspective, the Food Harvest 2020 report is ambitious in setting a target of a 50% growth in milk production by 2020 compared to the average for the 2007-2009 period. The realisation of this target will be dependent on the achievement of maximum efficiency at production and processing levels. The report's recommendations focus on changes needed in milk processing, in on-farm competitiveness, in the transfer of technology and knowledge to dairy farmers, and in R&D and marketing. I myself chair the High Level Implementation Committee, whose function is to direct and take whatever action is needed to successfully implement Food Harvest 2020.

The Dairy Expansion Activation Group has got the implementation ball rolling in the dairy sector. Earlier this year it produced a Road Map setting out 55 actions that are required to achieve the 50% increase in milk production. These are broken into four categories, namely, on-farm production, efficiency in the milk processing sector, the development of market opportunities and general agriculture policy. Dr. Sean Brady, who chaired the Dairy Expansion Activation Group, is continuing to facilitate the process of implementation and to monitor progress. All of the stakeholders are being encouraged to discharge the responsibilities assigned to them, and the response is being monitored and reported upon.

The Deputy will also be aware that "Milestones for Success", the first annual progress report on the implementation of Food Harvest 2020, was published in July. More than 90% of the 215 initiatives have been commenced. I know that a lot of effort has already been made by all stakeholders, and that there is a strong commitment to delivering results. I believe a good start has been made, and I am confident that the momentum generated by that good start will be carried forward.