Smith: Strong agricultural production base must be maintained in the EU

A STRONG agricultural production base must be maintained in the European Union, according to Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith.

He said food production and distribution must also be maintained in a manner that is sustainable in all its dimensions — economically, socially and environmentally.

“Neither of these will happen of their own accord and, therefore, there will be a continuing need for an active and appropriately resourced European agricultural policy to achieve these objectives and to help our farmers and processors adapt to the new and emerging challenges.”