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The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan
Smith TD, has launched a major initiative to draw up a long-term
strategy for the agri-food, forestry and fisheries sectors.
The Minister has appointed a Committee - chaired by Dr Sean
Brady - to lead the process and has also established a web-based
public consultation process.
"Agri-food, forestry and fisheries are already hugely important
to our economy and society as a source of jobs, exports and
regional development. Looking forward, I firmly believe
that the sector can contribute significantly to our economic
recovery and provide long-term growth into the future.
"It is vital that we harness this potential and that
we have absolute clarity of vision and determined action to
ensure that we do so," said Minister Smith.
The Minister said that he felt that this process was timely
as the sector was entering a period of profound change and
it was critical that the correct strategies are identified.
"At present, the sector is facing significant challenges
in terms of international competitiveness and environmental
sustainability. However, there are also enormous opportunities
opening up in EU and global food and drink markets.
"The sector has repeatedly shown its capacity to compete
in the toughest marketplaces - and, if we do what is required,
I have no doubt that we can grow strongly from the platform
we have established."
Minister Smith added that he specifically wanted to ensure
that the industry was seen to be an integral part of the 'Smart
Economy' and was at the forefront of this country's export-led
economic recovery.
The Minister said that, in order to facilitate and target
consideration of key issues, a series of discussion and background
papers had been prepared. These are publicly available on
the Department's website
and outline the current situation and challenges facing the
sector.
"I would welcome stakeholder input and views on how
best to deal with some of the critical issues arising from
these discussion papers".
The 2020 Strategy Committee is broadly based and possesses
a wide range of skills and experience. It is drawn from senior
experts and participants in all aspects of the sector. The
Minister said he was particularly pleased that Dr. Sean Brady
had agreed to chair the group and expressed his "deep appreciation
to all the members who have agreed to serve despite their
busy schedules".
"I have asked the Committee to draw up a short, sharp document
which sets out the key strategies required for the future
development of the sector. I believe that the very high calibre
of the committee members will ensure that the output from
this exercise will be both bold and practical and will set
a clear path forward for the sector."
The Minister has asked the Committee to report by the 1st
June 2010. The Committee will inter alia consider
comments received from individuals and organisations through
the public consultation exercise.
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