Brexit preparedness, the implications of a no-Deal Brexit for the seafood sector, and the findings of the Food Wise Innovation team were discussed yesterday by a committee chaired by Minister Michael Creed.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, chaired the 23rd meeting of the Food Wise High-Level Implementation Committee (HLIC), which also discussed the Agri-Food Strategy to 2030.
Following a recommendation in Food Wise, an “Innovation Team” was established to review innovation in the agri-food sector capacity.
The team presented their findings to the HLIC, highlighting the importance of innovation as a driver of long-term sustainable development in the agri-food sector.
Agri-Food Strategy
“Although the sector is facing challenges, not least the current Brexit uncertainty, it is important not to lose sight of the progress made in recent years and the importance of the sector for the future, not only to farmers but to the wider economy, especially rural and coastal communities.”
Speaking of the new Agri-Food Strategy to 2030, the Minister confirmed that public consultation will remain open until 1 October 2019.
The Minister added that his department will host an “Open Policy Debate” conference on the new Strategy in the Aviva Stadium on 16 October 2019, with more details on this to follow.
On Brexit preparedness, Minister Creed highlighted his Department’s upcoming seminars on “Practical steps to keep agri-food trade moving”, which are taking place later this month.
These seminars will be of interest to agri-food businesses of all sizes, the Minister said.
The Committee also heard from representatives of the seafood sector on the serious implications of a no-Deal Brexit across the primary and processing sectors.
The Minister acknowledged the specific difficulties facing the sector, and outlined his ongoing engagement on these issues nationally and with EU colleagues.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
