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.

Mr Malone said farmers have as much to gain from stabilising the public finances and getting the banking system working effectively as any other sector.

He said the prospects for the agri-food sector are intricately linked to the wider economy.

Mr Malone said the number of participants in agricultural education is currently at its highest level in more than two decades. This will ensure that the industry will have the intellectual capacity to compete internationally.

IFA Rural Development Committee executive secretary Gerry Gunning said cutbacks to farm schemes undermined Ireland’s rural development plan, negotiated with the EU for a seven year period up to 2013.

Mr Gunning said it was vital that funding for rural development continues after 2013 without impacting on funding to the single farm payment, which is crucial for the productive base of agriculture and the safeguarding of family farms.

“Farmers will not accept any further modulation and rural development funding must be focused on agriculture, which is the main driver of economic activity and jobs in rural areas.”