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

252. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that adequate steps can be taken to ensure the development of the agrifood sector, notwithstanding impositions in respect of carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21635/16]

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

256. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he expects targets set in respect of Food Harvest 2020 to be achieved, notwithstanding implications arising from carbon emission reduction requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21639/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 256 together.

Food Wise 2025, the new ten year strategy for the agrifood sector published in July last year identifies the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and provides an enabling strategy that will allow the sector to grow and prosper. Environmental sustainability is at the core of Food Wise 2025, and the overriding precept of the strategy is that environmental protection and economic competitiveness are equal and complementary and one will not be achieved at the expense of the other.

Realising the ambitious growth projections outlined in Food Wise 2025 will be challenging, but I am confident that they can be achieved.

The implementation process for any strategy is vital for its success. I chair the Food Wise High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC), with high level representatives from all the relevant Departments and State agencies.

Last year, an Environmental Sustainability Subgroup was established, which reports to the HLIC. Its role will be to:

- evaluate and assess the delivery of sustainability and mitigation actions set out in the Food Wise strategy report and Implementation Plan; and

- having regard to other relevant issues as they arise, provide advice, including on developments at international and European levels in relation to climate and sustainability as they relate to the agrifood sector.

I am therefore satisfied that the Food Wise implementation process will be fully informed by environmental considerations, including carbon emission targets to be set at EU and national level.

I launched a first year progress report on Food Wise 2025 entitled ‘Steps to Success 2016’ earlier today. Of the 330 detailed actions which were due to commence in 2015 or 2016, 28% have been achieved or substantial action has been undertaken; and a further 67% have commenced and are progressing well. A detailed report on the status of Food Wise 2025 actions is available on my Department’s website together with the first year progress report.