Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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273. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will urgently conduct a national food security review with clear timelines on the implementation of a national food security strategy until 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20318/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The FAO definition of food security states that: "food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life” (World Food Summit, 1996). Food security has four main dimensions - food availability, food access, utilisation and stability. At national level, food security is addressed through a range of Government policies providing social protection and supports for low income, disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. At EU level, Ireland is engaged in research under a number of  EU Joint Programming Initiatives (JPIs).

Within my Department planning for food availability takes place with in the context of FoodWise 2025, the 10-year vision of sustainable growth for Irish agri-food. This strategy identified significant growth opportunities across the Irish agri-food industry. Cumulatively, it projects that exports have the potential to grow to €19bn per annum in value by 2015, representing a considerable increase on the €10.8 billion in agri-food and drink products exportedin 2015 to over 175 markets worldwide. Implementation of the strategy overall and at sectoral level is monitored by a High Level Implementation Committee, which I chair.

In most sectors Ireland is a net exporter, indeed Ireland exports over 80% of the agri-food it produces. In the case of horticulture, Food Wise 2025 outlines the potential to grow the farm gate value of Irish horticultural output to over €500m in the medium term. Exports are less of a feature than in other sectors, with the exception of mushrooms.

While there is potential to increase production of certain horticultural crops in Ireland, in some cases it may not be economic to do so. Some crops can’t be grown under Irish climatic conditions; other crops can only be grown economically at certain times of year or in certain parts of the country. Consumer desire for high quality fresh fruit and vegetables coupled with the high perishability of certain fresh fruit combine to create a situation where Ireland can’t be fully self-sufficient in terms of horticultural production. Notwithstanding this situation the Government is committed to maintaining and where possible developing Ireland’s potential to produce food.

My Department implements two specific schemes to promote development of the horticulture sector. These are the State funded Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector and the EU funded Producer Organisation Scheme. Both schemes aim to promote the sustainable development of the industry with a focus on maximising grower competitiveness, aligning production with consumer demand and respect for the environment. The EU has co-funded mushroom promotions undertaken by Bord Bia in partnership with the sector for several years. My own Department has also contributed funding, together with the EU and the trade for a successful three year potato promotion "Potatoes – More than a Bit on the Side".

The Food Dudes and Food Dudes Boost programmes, co-funded by my Department under the EU School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, have developed in schoolchildren in national schools a taste for fresh fruit and vegetables leading to increased consumption.

The Grocery Goods Regulations, 2016, which were signed by my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, entered into force in April this year with the aim of improving the supply chain.