Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 12: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that in conjunction with his EU colleagues he can ensure the viability of the food industry throughout Europe in the future with particular reference to the need to achieve food security and employment for farm families and the wider ancillary sectors, reduced dependency on imports throughout the EU and that such objectives are not frustrated by subsequent discussions at the World Trade Organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39822/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I believe there is a good commitment within the EU to a strong agri-food sector and an increased recognition of the importance of the sector's contribution to the achievement of economic, social and environmental objectives. In developing the EU2020 strategy for recovery and growth in Europe, Heads of State and Government in the European Council recognised this contribution concluding that "a sustainable, productive and competitive agricultural sector will make an important contribution to the new strategy, considering the growth and employment potential of rural areas while ensuring fair competition".

Moving forward to the CAP Reform Package, the three key principles underpinning the EU Commission's proposals for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy are to preserve food production potential in the EU, to ensure sustainable management of natural resources and to maintain viable rural areas. In those circumstances, I am satisfied that there is good support to ensure the future viability of the food industry in Europe while achieving security of food supply and maintaining farm families on the land.

Over recent years an alliance of some 14 Member States, including Ireland, has pressed on a continuous basis for a strong CAP and to defend EU agricultural interests in the WTO. Indeed this alliance has been augmented from time to time by support from additional Member States. It is worth noting that the conclusions drawn up earlier this year by the Hungarian EU Presidency seeking a strong CAP with resources commensurate with its objectives gained the support of twenty Member States. These Member States also agreed that one of the three main objectives for the future CAP should be to ensure viable food production. They also endorsed the other objectives of sustainable management of natural resources and climate action as well as balanced territorial development.

As to the WTO Doha Development Round, talks are stalled at present and the prospects for conclusion of an agreement are uncertain at this point in time. Nevertheless, I will continue to maintain pressure to secure an acceptable outcome from these negotiations that does not undermine the development of European and Irish agriculture.