Food and drink trade aim is €12bn
The group of 30 farm and food industry leaders — appointed by Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith to draw up a long-term strategy for the agri-food, forestry and fisheries sectors — has set a target to increase the value of primary agriculture, fisheries and forestry output by €1.5bn, a 33% increase compared to the 2007-2009 average.
It has called for businesses in the industry and farms to be monitored, to ensure the growth of viable businesses is not inhibited by lack of credit. The Government is advised to consider the specific needs of the food and beverages sector in its deliberation on an export credit insurance scheme. In general, state support should be targeted with a view to promoting competitiveness and sustainability.
