Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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464. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether the primary function of the agricultural sector is the provision of public goods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17943/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Irish agricultural sector is multi-functional and provides a range of benefits to the economy in terms of economic competitiveness, environmental and social sustainability and land management. In addition to the economic importance of the sector, there are a wide range of public goods associated with agriculture; including social benefits for rural communities, as well as significant environmental benefits in relation to landscape, biodiversity, water quality and carbon sequestration and mitigation.

The agri-food sector is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, contributing €26 billion in turnover and 7.6% of GDP. In 2015, the sector accounted for around 8.4% of total employment, making a particularly significant contribution to employment in rural and coastal areas.

2015 saw the publication of Food Wise 2025 which sets out a ten year strategy for the agri-food sector. It underlines the sector’s unique and special position within the Irish economy, and illustrates the potential for this sector to continue to grow. The strategy sets out the key actions required to maximise the contribution of the sector to economic growth, job creation and environmental sustainability over the next decade.