Cavan-Monaghan TD Brendan Smith has reiterated his call for adequate supports to be put in place to protect food production and food security in the EU.
Deputy Smith emphasised to Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue the importance of the provision of food supply at home and in export earnings which are critical to the national economy and employment throughout the country.
Speaking in the Dail recently, the local TD said that this is a critical issue not just for Ireland but for the entire European Union where sustainable food production systems are in place.
He added that population growth will demand additional food supply and the European Union will play a very important role in world food production.
Meanwhile, Minister McConalogue, in reply to a parliamentary question, said support for sustainable food production in the EU and the need to ensure food security for citizens is an "ongoing and core element" of discussions between EU ministers.
