2. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Government acknowledges the significant increase in production costs for farmers in recent years, which many can no longer sustain; and how he plans to address the challenges posed by increasing energy, labour and environmental-compliance costs to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Irish farming sector. [14131/25]

Sentiment score: 0.24

The increase in food production costs in recent years means many farmers no longer find it sustainable. As their costs directly affect consumers, we must tackle this. Dairy farmers report a near 20% rise in production costs in the past year alone. We need to address challenges posed by increasing labour, energy and environmental-compliance costs to ensure the viability of the farming sector, especially in my area of Dublin Fingal West where horticultural producers are under intense pressure from retailers on price.

Sentiment score: 0.06

The geopolitical circumstances that have occurred to date make food security all the more important. In my constituency of Dublin Fingal West, horticulture is a crucial part of the farming sector. We produce 15% of potatoes nationally, 47% of field vegetables and 37% of fruits, vegetables and nursery plants, making it one of the most important counties in the country for food production. Many farms in Dublin Fingal West supply fresh produce to local markets, supermarkets and for export, contributing to employment and our overall GDP. It plays a significant role in food production. Like all farmers nationally, they want actions to address barriers for farmers, particularly the next generation of farmers who are just as important. Farmers are caught in the crossfire of trying to make a living, trying to do the right thing to ensure the grants are-----

Sentiment score: 0.38

I attended the Social Justice Ireland presentation in the audiovisual room earlier. The statistics presented are increasingly concerning for the agriculture sector. The average farm income was just under €20,000 in 2023. Some 68% of farms earned less than €30,000 per annum. This data highlights clear challenges. It is clear that farming by itself is not enough to provide an adequate income. I am committed to these farmers and to working with the Ministers to make sure the challenges posed by increasing energy, labour and environmental-compliance costs can be overcome to ensure long-term stability for Irish farming.

Sentiment score: 0.33