Minister Heydon welcomes the launch of the European Commission’s ‘Vision for Agriculture and Food’

‘Making farming and food production attractive and viable for current and future generations’

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, today welcomed the publication of the European Commission’s ‘Vision for Agriculture and Food’. This is a high-level communication from the Commission which underlines the strategic importance of the agri-food sector for the future of the European Union as a whole.

Minister Heydon said:

“The agri-food sector makes an important contribution to the EU priorities of

competitiveness, innovation, and rural development; as well as being essential to the EU’s climate action and environmental protection objectives. Food security is fundamental to the EU’s economic security and should not be taken for granted. While we cannot pre-empt the outcome of the EU Budget (MFF) negotiations, I believe the Vision provides the basis of a strong argument for a robust and fully funded CAP in the next EU Budget.”

“I look forward to discussing the Vision with Agriculture and Food Commissioner, Christophe Hansen, and my fellow Ministers at Agri-Fish Council in Brussels next Monday (24 February).”

Minister Heydon concluded:

“In Ireland, our Food Vision 2030 strategy is built on a collaborative approach involving stakeholders from across the sector. It aims for Ireland to become a world leader in sustainable food systems - in terms of economic, social and environmental sustainability. I welcome that the Commission is taking a similar approach, recognising the importance of stakeholder involvement in policy formation; and the importance of all aspects of sustainability.”