"Our mission is to lead the sustainable development of a competitive, consumer focussed agri-food sector and to contribute to a vibrant rural economy and society."

The agriculture and food sectors in Ireland accounts for 8.4% of GDP, 9.5% of employment, 7.12% of total exports and a significant share of Net Foreign Earnings from exports.

The future of the sector is vital therefore not only for our rural communities but for the economy as a whole.

Following the successful outcome from the Agenda 2000 agreement I believe that the sector has a solid and favourable framework for development over the next several years.

There are challenges ahead which offer both opportunities and threats and I am striving to ensure that the sector is sufficiently strong and competitive to meet these challenges and to grow and prosper in the future.