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

The reply is as follows:

	Baseline 2007/2009 €m	Target 2020 €m	Target % 2020	Latest 2013 €m	Latest 2013
Primary
Total (2013)	4,596	6,275	+33%	6,166	+34%
Exports
Total (2013)	8,298	12,000	+40%	10,204	+23%
GVA
Total (2012)	6,053	8,568	+40%	7,450	+23%

Food Harvest 2020, published in 2010, set out a strategy for ‘smart green growth’mapping the future direction of the sector. I launched ‘Milestones for Success 2014’ in September which highlighted the headline growth and achievements under Food Harvest 2020. This detailed progress report sets out clearly what has been achieved over the past four years and provides facts, figures, analysis and examples to illustrate how the overall agri-food sector has moved to its current position as an important driver of economic recovery. Progress measured to date indicates that the Value of Primary Output has increased significantly and has effectively reached it’s target. Export performance has also been strong and at end 2013 was halfway towards achieving the 2020 target of €12 billion and has continued to perform strongly this year. Value Added has increased to €7.5 billion again halfway to its target increase of €2.5bn by 2020. Building on the success of Food Harvest 2020, I launched the 2025 Agri-Food Strategy process on 25 November. The Strategy will be developed by a Committee chaired by Mr John Moloney and consists of the leading figures from the agri-food sector. The background papers and questionnaire are available on the Department’s website at www.agriculture.gov.ie/2025strategy and the closing date for public consultation is Friday, 9 January. The 2025 Agri-Food Strategy will set out the key actions required to maximise the contribution of the sector to economic growth, job creation and environmental sustainability over the next decade.The final report of Committee of the 2025 Agri-Food Strategy will be presented to me in July next year.

Now is an opportune time to look to the future and consider what the agri-food industry can achieve over the next decade to 2025. We are entering a period of profound change and it is vital that the optimum strategy is identified to meet the challenges ahead and embrace this major opportunity for growth and expansion.