Time to be positive about our future

The launch of Teagasc Foresight 2030, last month, was a timely event. Coming on the back of a 'no' vote on the Lisbon Treaty and an economic slowdown, now confirmed, the report was unequivocally positive about our potential.
Foresight 2030 predicts that we could have an agri-food industry worth E40bn by 2030 and describes us as stepping into ''an exciting new era'' where, in spite of major challenges, our industry can flourish.
While farmers are currently feeling the squeeze as the cost of inputs rise rapidly, the evidence of this change is already around us: for the first time in decades, agriculture is being looked upon with high regard and even envy by other sectors of the economy.
The world's population is increasing at a phenomenal rate - a population the size of Western Europe is being created every year - and agricultural commodities are in huge demand, both among consumers and financial speculators.
But farmers must adapt quickly if they are to truly benefit from this demand. It is not enough to supply commodities; we must meet the demands of the sophisticated global consumer to exploit the real opportunity that exists for our industry. Bord Bia's recent European Meat Forum confirmed this point clearly: over the next five years, the marketing strategy for Irish beef will position it firmly at the premium end of the market. The optimum price can only be earned when the quality matches it.
The Single Farm Payment (SFP) undoubtedly supports this process and Irish farmers are now in a prime position to produce exactly what the market wants.
In fact, if the optimists are to be believed, Ireland is in a key position to become one of the leaders in the world agri-food industry. We have an ideal grass-based production system, a green image with consumers, a strong background of research and development, internationally-focused food businesses and global brands.
But investment is key and it's vital that Government and industry continue to fund research and development in this sector. The Celtic Tiger era may finally be past us but its lesson - that Ireland can become a major economic player if the strategy is right - should not be forgotten. Agri-food was sidelined somewhat as other industries came to the fore in this time but Irish farmers are now central to an industry that can re-energize our economy and provide for the diverse food needs of a growing world population.