Ahern promises agriculture action plan
He told the Fianna Fáil agriculture and food conference in Birr, Co Offaly, that Agri-Vision 2015, now being finalised by Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan and her team, is an ambitious blueprint for the development of the sector.
“Agriculture can and should encompass strong commercial farming as well as part-time farming, serving consumers and markets worldwide with pride and distinction,” he said.
Mr Ahern said the action plan will set out a series of measures to drive the development of the sector and add a new dynamic to Irish farming and agri-food.
“This blueprint will reflect recent developments, both national and international, and will set out future plans and strategies for the whole sector,” he said.
The Taoiseach said Fianna Fáil is not short on ambition when it comes to the future of Irish farming. Agri-Vision 2015 will give a roadmap to fulfilling its ambition.
Referring to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), he said he is committed to securing a new agreement and determined that this will not prevent the EU from enjoying the benefits of an active and supportive common agricultural policy (CAP).
He said his objective is to ensure that any new WTO agreement can be accommodated within the terms of the 2003 CAP reforms.
“We believe that no further reform will be required. I am glad to say that this negotiating position was agreed in the European Council of Ministers. There must also be a balanced outcome to the negotiations.
“Agriculture is an important element in an overall agreement but it is not the only one. I do not accept that agriculture, and farmers, should pay a disproportionate price for a new agreement,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ms Coughlan announced that she intends to move in the direction of a more open market system of transferring milk quotas.
While this will operate at co-op level, it could be organised through an exchange system, through direct sales between individuals, through brokers-agents or via the marts. Quotas may be sold with or without land and leased with land, she said.
The system will be introduced on April 1, 2007 after the current restructuring scheme has ended.
Ms Coughlan said the new system would involve freeing up the movement of milk quota to producers and would benefit the cost of production and assembly.
