Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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11. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the objectives set in the context of Food Harvest 2020 are being met to date; his expectations in this regard in the medium to long term; the extent to which he envisages greater opportunities for Irish and European food producers in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53069/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am confident that the industry developed targets set out in Food Harvest 2020 are achievable and can be met. The main targets in the Food Harvest report are by 2020 to increase the value of:

- Primary output in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector by 33%;

- Value added production by 40%;

- Agriculture, food (including seafood) and drink exports by 42%;

In addition, a 50% increase in milk production and a 78% increase in the volume of aquaculture production is envisaged.

Progress on these targets and the 215 recommendations in the Food Harvest report are monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Food Harvest High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC). The HLIC, which I chair, consists of the senior officials of all state agencies involved in the agriculture, food and fisheries sector. Their third report “Milestones for Success 2013 ”, published in September, showed that the sector had achieved growth in excess of 25% (primary production), 20% (value-added) and 13% (exports) by the end of 2012, compared to the baseline period.

The CAP and CFP reforms, concluded during the Irish EU Presidency, provide a sound policy framework for the sustainable development of the agri-food and fisheries sector to 2020 and beyond. A range of State-led measures targeted at improving competitiveness and sustainability have been implemented, for example Enterprise Ireland’s Lean Business offer, the Teagasc/Farmer’s Journal BETTER Beef Farms; and Bord Bia’s Origin Green and Food Works initiatives.

Strong industry support and buy-in for the Food Harvest targets and vision is critical to success. Industry investment in processing, innovation and developing new markets proves the confidence, drive and ambition of Irish food companies. At primary level, farmers have shown an increased focus on efficiency and sustainability.

Opportunities exist to increase our exports to countries such as China, Russia, Africa, South East Asia and the Middle East, as demonstrated during my recent trade mission to the Gulf States. In addition, there will be opportunities arising for increased market access from the negotiation of Free Trade Agreements with Canada, USA, India, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam. I therefore believe that the agri-food and fisheries sector is well placed to meet the Food Harvest targets, and to make a substantial contribution to Ireland’s export-led economic recovery.