Agri-food sector told look at costs

THE agri-food sector must plug in to the wider cost-cutting issues that will be central components of policy both in Ireland and the European Union.

John Malone, former secretary general at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, urged the move when he addressed the national rural network conference yesterday.

He said the sector needs to broaden its horizon and encompass issues such as climate change, the environment and the drive for increased competitiveness.