I think this exercise in soliciting feedback by way of the 'questionnaire' and the Consultative Seminars is a good idea. However the format of the questionnaire is somewhat puzzling-the room for comment is tiny and I initially wondered whether I was being asked to register a yes/no beside each recommendation/point.

Also, you might consider inviting a panel of technically qualified contrarian thinkers-entrepreneurs, economists, agro-environmentalists-to provide an analysis (written or otherwise) of the report. It is a well-known in business that the companies already dominant in a certain field rarely produce the breakthroughs that transform it. Similarly individuals embedded within sectors of our economy may not be the ones to see new configurations which will radically change the direction or dynamics of their particular sector.

I would like to make my observations on two levels.

Firstly, it seems to me that one of the main challenges facing the agri-food sector is how to create a quality of leadership and integrity, a breadth of vision, a level of dynamism, creativity and field independence, and a sensitivity to the consumer and environment which will generate a unique, profitable and sustainable business and greater fulfilment for those working in it.

This report seeks to delineate what needs to be done within the sector in the face of perceived opportunities and dangers. These can be relatively difficult to predict, except where change is currently being forced upon the sector through regulation and immediate threats to its future. However developing the capacity to think clearly, independently, creatively and with sensitivity means that people will think more strategically and respond better to change.

There appears to me to be a lack of a broadly based intrinsic commitment in Irish agriculture and food production to the land, to the broader environment, to food quality/safety, to animals, to the consumer, to sustainable farming systems. This results in confused, short-term thinking, continual crises, and lack of fulfilment for those working in the sector, and degradation of the environment.

Unless these points are addressed in a deeper way than is set out in the report, the many useful policy proposals and ideas in it may not effect the changes necessary for the sector's continued progress and viability.

Secondly, in a more piecemeal way, I would like to point out some things that struck me as I read through the report.

In 15.1 the point about Ireland becoming a model for other EU member states struck me as very odd. We should have the highest standards of food safety and consumer protection because we should, and not for some vainglorious, empty marketing ploy.

In 15.3 the point about controlling and eradicating TB and BSE seem terribly tame. I would have thought something much more forceful was needed in order to make sure that the scandalous waste of public money in attempts to eradicate TB should.

In 15.5 the point about the growth of organic markets in Europe presenting a 'real, if limited, commercial opportunity for Irish agriculture', reminded me of a remark made in Business Week in 1958: "With over 50 foreign cars already here, the Japanese auto industry isn't likely to carve out a big slice of the US market for itself."

In 19.1 the point about GMOs not compromising the integrity of organic, or other non-GMO, production systems is very valid. The problem is it looks like it is going to be impossible to guarantee this, with possible disastrous consequences for Irish agriculture.

The Natural Law Party also has grave reservations about money being ploughed into biotech research where this involves genetic engineering. It is a classic case of public monies being used to distort the market-the general public do not want these foods, witness the speed with which supermarkets have taken them off the shelves. But policy makers, scared of missing out on 'the next big thing' throw money at it and scientists are quite happy to spend it.

In 15.2, a point is made: 'Preserving Ireland's reputation as a quality food producer is essential for the future of the agri-food sector.' Are we not endangering this reputation by our policies on GM foods and our relatively limp commitment to organic agriculture? Compared with the money spent on improving the yields of petrochemical agriculture, formal research in organic methods has been almost non-existent.

My final comment is that I would like to have an audit of the report's recommendations carried out from the point of view of a sustainable Irish agricultural system. Is this possible?