Speaking during statements on the Government’s Food Harvest 2020 Report in the Dáil last week, Fine Gael Deputy Spokesperson on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Noel Coonan TD said the report gives hope and confidence to farmers but without young people coming into agriculture “serious problems still exist”.

“As the old saying goes ‘It is an ill wind that does not blow some good’ and in this instance, the good blown by the economic crisis is that it has returned agricultural production to its key role. I welcome this report which highlights the importance of food production and security in Ireland and I’m happy to see the agri-food sector being recognised as a pivotal area for any export-led recovery,” commented the Fine Gael Spokesperson on CAP Reform.

By 2020, the Food Harvest strategy plans to increase the primary output of the agriculture fisheries and forestry sector by €1.5billion; a 33% increase on 2007-2009 average. It also forecasts an export target of €12billion for the sector and an increase in the value added output in the agri-food, fisheries and wood products sector by €3billion; a 40% increase on 2008.

However, the local TD said elements of Food Harvest 2020 bring challenges to mind. “Last year, the value of the Irish food and drink exports declined by 12% or just under €1billion. Minister Brendan Smith must act in the short term to alleviate the problems the industry is facing or the targets will be unachievable. The sector needs a speedy, strong response from Government if we are to attract young and energetic people into the industry. This Government’s reputation is already very poor having cancelled the Young Farmers’ Installation Aid Scheme and cutting the Early Retirement Scheme.

“Farmers, particularly young farmers are finding it extremely difficult to access credit in the current climate. The Government’s strategy highlights the need to resolve this problem but at the same time, their banking strategy is only serving to make it more and more difficult for small businesses to gain access to credit.”

During the debate with the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Deputy Coonan also expressed serious alarm regarding economic pressures on farming and the single farm payment “for which the date has come and gone leaving many people unpaid.”

“Many farmers are still waiting to be issued their disadvantaged area scheme payment. These are farmers who have entered into obligations with their bankers and creditors and with co-ops. The Government must be more professional and deliver those payments on the agreed date, in full and on time. To give the digitisation of maps as a reason for delays is simply not good enough. It is unprofessional and a bad way of running our business.

“This Government’s track record does not inspire confidence which strongly indicates to me that it will be incapable of implementing this vital policy. It is time for them to go,” concluded the local Fine Gael TD.