Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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261. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a publication by organisations (details supplied) and other environmental advocacy organisations, which documents the increasing concentration of power over global food production in the hands of a few multinationals; his views on the reported decrease in diversity of actors in the food industry and the implications of this on food security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12505/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Food security is defined by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) as: "a situation that exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life”.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 international level, Ireland’s development aid programme has a strong focus on food and nutrition, including through funding from my own Department to the UN FAO and WFP (World Food Programme).

At EU level, the Commission has established a High Level Forum on a better functioning food chain. The High Level Forum has a mandate to consider factors affecting the competitiveness and sustainability of the food supply chain, including business to business trading practices, innovation and prices, market access and trade. Membership includes Member States and a wide spectrum of stakeholders in the food chain, including producers, trade bodies and NGOs. The programme for this year focuses on how best to address Unfair Trading Practices, an issue highlighted by the Agriculture Council, and price monitoring tools. The Environment Council Conclusions in 2016 on the Circular Economy also contribute to ensuring the sustainability of the food chain and food security over time.