Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 389: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he expects to be in a position to ensure the continuation of the maximum support for Irish agriculture in future in view of the pivotal role for the sector in economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31928/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Agri-Food sector has performed exceptionally well in the last 18 months. Exports from the sector have increased and global prices for our products have remained good. The sector has responded well to the challenging targets agreed in Food Harvest 2020, which clearly maps out the future growth of the sector.

There are, nonetheless, major challenges ahead. Input prices have remained stubbornly high and producer margins are declining. Changes to the CAP and agreements between the EU and other trading blocs will also present challenges. I intend to defend the Irish farming model and ensure the most suitable conditions for Irish farmers so that they can continue to provide quality produce for a worldwide market.