Published: Wednesday, 24th February, 2010 5:00pm

Smith launches 2020 Strategy

Agri-food, forestry and fisheries are an important source of jobs, exports and regional development that can contribute significantly to economic recovery and provide long-term growth Minister Brendan Smith said last week.

He was launching the 2020 strategy, an initiative to draw up a long-term plan for those sectors. Dr. Sean Brady will chair a committee to lead the process and there will be a web-based public consultation process.

The minister thought the process was timely as the sector was entering a period of profound change and it was critical that the correct strategies were identified.

"At present the sector is facing significant challenges in terms of international competitiveness and environmental sustainability," he said.

"However, there are also enormous opportunities opening up in EU and global food and drink markets. The sector has repeatedly shown its capacity to compete in the toughest marketplaces, and if we do what's required, I have no doubt that we can grow strongly from the platform we have established."

He specifically wanted to ensure that the industry was seen to be an integral part of the smart economy and was at the forefront of the country's export-led economic recovery.

Discussion and background papers (at agriculture.gov.ie/2020Strategy) outline the current situation and challenges facing the sector "but equally importantly, pose a series of questions, the answers to which will form the core of our future strategy. I would welcome stakeholder input and views on how best to deal with some of the critical issues arising from these discussion papers".

The 2020 Strategy Committee members possess a wide range of skills and experience - they are senior experts and participants in all aspects of the sector. Minister Smith was particularly pleased that Dr. Sean Brady had agreed to chair the group and expressed his "deep appreciation to all the members who have agreed to serve despite their busy schedules".

"I've asked the committee to draw up a short document which sets out the key strategies required for the future development of the sector. I believe that the high calibre of the committee members will ensure that the output from this exercise will be both bold and practical and will set a clear path forward for the sector," Minister Smith said.

The committee is to report by June 1, and will consider comments from individuals and organisations through the public consultation exercise.