‘Farmers must focus on competitive and sustainable production of food’

Farmers and food producers must keep a collective focus on producing high-quality food in an efficient, competitive, and sustainable manner for the sector to thrive, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said.

“If the Irish agri-food industry is to flourish, if farmers’ incomes are to increase and the economic viability of rural areas is to be strengthened, there must be a relentless focus on the competitive and sustainable production of food,” said Mr Coveney.

“Our grass-based production system gives us a head start, and we must learn to exploit this natural competitive advantage in a sustainable way. I am determined to help the sector to do so, and the tools have now been provided to help us to get on with the job.”