Sustaining Progress - Department of Taoiseach

Chapter 4 Sustaining Progress
56
4.5.4 Dairy Sector
Quota distribution schemes will continue to target committed producers who need to upscale their
operation.
Give urgent consideration to the most effective arrangements for the processing and marketing of
Irish milk.
Continue to press the EU Commission to manage the dairy market, both in relation to internal and
export support, in a way that allows a reasonable return to Irish dairy producers.
4.5.5 Beef Sector
Seek that the combination of direct payments to producers and the return on the sale of cattle for
slaughter brings a margin which can sustain the continued production of cattle on Irish farms and
in Irish conditions at a reasonable economic return.
Encouraging the production of the type and quality of cattle required by the markets, which can
deliver reasonable returns, will involve the introduction at the earliest possible time of mechanical
grading as a replacement for the current system along with increased emphasis on payment systems
based on grade. We shall press the EU Commission for the earliest possible approval of the
mechanical grading system.
Efforts by the Government to regain access to all markets for Irish beef will continue so that the
necessary marketing options and flexibilities are available to exporters to maximise returns to
primary producers.
The Department of Agriculture and Food and Enterprise Ireland will encourage the development of a
processing sector that is best suited to the throughput of cattle and the need to add maximum value
to output from Irish farms and improve international competitiveness.
4.5.6 The Food Industry
The Government is committed to the continued development of a consumer orientated, competitive
and innovative food industry. In this context, it shall continue to provide for support and implement
a range of measures including capital investment, research, technology and innovation, marketing
and promotion and the development of human resources in the sector. In view of the many challenges
facing the industry, the level of on-going investment shall be examined. This examination shall
include the advantages that might accrue from the modification of criteria for aid in the sector within
existing state aid rules.
The Government shall encourage the industry to build long-term relationships in premium export
markets with strong emphasis on value added products. The Government shall also seek to improve
the level of information available to consumers through clear labelling of food.