Minister defends importance of agriculture to economy
Apart from its social and cultural significance, she said the reality is that agriculture and agri-food is one of the largest indigenous sectors in the economy, with annual sales exceeding €18 billion.
Ms Coughlan said that the past decade has seen a transformation within the sector as the market focus has sharpened, particularly in beef and dairying.
New products and ingredients businesses have been developed. The prepared consumer foods sector has grown from being a minor league player to account for 20% of food exports.
A strong live trade has also developed in quality cattle exported to buyers in premium markets on the continent, she said.
Ms Coughlan said that while the WTO deal has yet to be concluded, the signposts for the future are quite clear.
“We will have to move ahead to prepare for a more competitive, commercial and liberalised market than ever before. The implementation of the single payment scheme demonstrates in a real way the changed system of support for agriculture,” she said.
“We have to adapt rapidly to the new circumstances. I have no doubt that more liberalised trade and reliance on the market will present opportunities for Irish agriculture.”
Ms Coughlan said Irish agriculture can deliver quality products to meet the most discerning of consumers in high value European markets.
Outgoing IFA deputy president Ruaidhri Deasy was elected national treasurer and returning officer.
