MAIN FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

COMMENT

15. MEETING CONSUMER REQUIREMENTS
Our competitiveness ultimately depends on our capacity to meet the needs and requirements of consumers, which are becoming more complex.

Obviously - and the survival of the Irish food sector is at stake until this lesson is learned

15.1: ENSURING FOOD SAFETY

Yes

? Farmers, processors, retailers and caterers must accept a shared responsibility to produce safe food.

Yes

? The promotional work of Bord Bia, the Irish Dairy Board and top companies in marketing Ireland as the ‘Food Island of Europe’ needs to be underpinned by robust food safety and quality initiatives.

It also needs to be underpinned by a realisation that the green image used to sell Irish food throughout the world depends on a perception of a clean and undamaged environment so that the undertakings given in fulfillment of EU legislation and the Kyoto commitment need to be fully accepted and policed

? There is a need for greater coherence and clarity in voluntary quality assurance schemes, which should include a strong food safety component.

This is why organic production standards are continually upgrading their requirements for safe production and handling and for full traceability. We feel strongly that the whole food production sector should ensure that their quality assurance schemes meet the requirements of EN 45011 and the Standards of Organic Trust do

? Clear, honest labeling must be the norm in order to inform consumer purchasing decisions.

There is a feeling amongst some manufacturers that too much information confuses the customer. Labeling regulations should be both clear and detailed so that the consumer knows exactly what is in the food they eat. As part of quality assurance labeling should make it clear exactly how much of an additive is in food so that they can, for example, distinguish between ham that has 50% water and ham that has 5%

? Transparency in the assessment, management and communication of risk is imperative.

yes

? Ireland should fully support efforts to ensure that the animal feed industry throughout the EU complies with the highest standards of quality and safety.

The introduction of GMO labeling on animal feeds should be immediate and mandatory. At present organic horticultural producers can no longer use conventional animal manures because there is no way of finding out whether GMOs are in feed.

? The Committee welcomes the improved co-ordination of food safety activities that will result from the establishment of the FSAI and the FSPB.

yes

? The FSAI and FSPB should develop a National Food Safety Plan, setting out clearly the responsibilities and functions of all agencies involved in food safety and the contingency plans for dealing with food safety emergencies.

Yes

? Urgent attention is needed to develop an adequate and coordinated laboratory service to support food safety activities.

This should include testing for the presence of GMOs in the light of consumer anxiety and the current Europe wide contamination of the oilseed rape crop

? Comprehensive surveillance data on appropriate food safety indicators should be collected and published routinely by the FSAI.

Yes - but consumer concerns should be addressed as well as those of the FSAI - at present there is a lack of trust in the FSAI which is partly historical and partly based on a disagreement between consumers and the FSAI over what is safe

? Appropriate education and training schemes for workers at all stages of the food chain should be developed.

Absolutely essential - need for more incorporation of this in the basic school curriculum

15.2: ASSURING FOOD QUALITY

? Preserving Ireland’s reputation as a quality food producer is essential for the future of the agri-food sector.

Yes

? The decline in cattle standards has led to some confusion in the media, where it has sometimes been incorrectly interpreted as a decline in beef eating quality, and this has been potentially damaging to our international marketing efforts.

More publicity for the eating quality of native breeds is needed. Lobbying at European level for a change in definitions would help. Publicity for differences in feeding methods and their impact on eating quality should be emphasised and the better flavour of grass fed, rather than concentrate fed meat.

? There would be considerable merit in continuing and extending the current research by Bord Bia on customer perceptions of the eating and other qualities of Irish beef on European markets.

The same should be done for lamb - specialised marketing of mountain and slobland lamb would be sensible

? The results of the Bord Bia market research and of Teagasc research on the impact of breeding and feeding practices on eating quality should be widely disseminated, particularly to beef farmers and processors.

Yes

? The Committee supports the various initiatives being taken to address the issue of cattle standards, but believes that particular attention must be devoted to part-time beef producers, who increasingly dominate beef farming and who derive only a small proportion of their income from the sale of animals.

Yes

? The following issues should be pursued in order to improve the standard of cattle:

- build a production quality incentive into direct payments where possible;

- consider how the use of fertility synchronisation products can be encouraged and facilitated, particularly by lowering their cost, while maintaining high standards of control and food safety;

- launch a coordinated education programme.

Organic farming opposes the use of fertility synchronisation. Nonetheless we believe that organic producers manage to keep a consistently high standard of meat product throughout the year by skilled management and feeding

? The Committee agrees with the conclusions of the Sheepmeat Forum. In particular there is a need to ensure a better match to consumer specifications by addressing issues of quality, timing and selection. It is important that sufficient research, advisory and other support is made available to bring about the necessary changes in production patterns.

Yes

15.3: ACHIEVING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF ANIMAL HEALTH

? The efforts to control and eradicate BSE, TB, Brucellosis and other significant animal diseases should continue. Clearly defined targets should be set and monitored by the Animal Health Forum, and the results published.

Yes. There is a lack of understanding, probably linked to failures in education, of the links between management practices and disease. Organic herds tend be ranked with the best in their areas for health status, perhaps because organic farmers are aware that they cannot reach for "the tube" if anything goes wrong and therefore take more care in basic management

? Research being undertaken, in co-operation with the UK authorities, on bovine and wildlife vaccines for TB should be intensified, and substantial resources should be provided for this work.

Yes

? Programmes to control zoonotic agents in all food animals should be enhanced in order to protect public health and consumer confidence.

Again, there should be more education on the impact of feeding practices on the growth of zoonotic agents.

? Other animal diseases of importance should be the subject of appropriate measures for their control and/or eradication. In particular programmes to eradicate Aujeszky’s disease in pigs and scrapie in sheep should be put in place without delay.

We would strongly agree on this point

? Effective identification systems for tracing all food animals should be put in place and maintained.

Organic farmers would like a mandatory traceability system for all individual food animals, including poultry, to be put in place as soon as possible.

? There is a need for ongoing research in the area of rapid tests for animal diseases. This should facilitate the earliest possible detection of outbreaks of diseases.

Yes

? There is a need for much improved feedback to the farmer on the disease status of slaughtered animals.

Much stricter controls over the health of slaughtered animals need to be put in place forthwith - particularly at some smaller abattoirs. Investigation of management practices on farms sending diseased animals for slaughter needs to be put into place. Compensation and education schemes to improve animal health on the farm should be put into place - a stick and carrot system

? The structures and resources necessary to pursue disease control and eradication should be regularly reviewed to ensure maximum efficiency.

Yes

15.4: ACHIEVING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF ANIMAL WELFARE

? Current standards of animal welfare in this country are generally high, and will improve further with the elimination of sow tethering and battery cages.

This would not be the perception of organic farmers, many of whom have moved to the sector because of perceived welfare problems in the conventional sector. The suffering of animals and absence of support during the winter of 98/99 brought the suffering of many farm animals sharply to the public notice. In many cases headage payments were a direct cause of the overstocking which lead to the situation. On the whole the mandatory low stocking rates in organic systems protected organic farmers from the worst impact of the fodder shortage of that winter although some faced difficulties.

? The Committee recommends the establishment of an advisory forum which would bring a greater focus to the issue of the welfare of farm animals.

Yes

15.5: DEVELOPING ORGANIC PRODUCTION

? The growth in organic markets in Europe presents a real, if limited, commercial opportunity for Irish agriculture. To take full advantage of this opportunity will require that we develop a critical mass in production, marketing and distribution and a strong emphasis on appropriate training.

Studies which show that 40% of consumers would buy organic if it was available at a lower price and in greater quantity seem to indicate that the opportunities are hardly "limited" We cannot emphasise too strongly that the sort of methods used in countries such as Denmark need to be in place in Ireland. In Denmark the original initiatives were put in place to fulfill EU directives on environmental management and this has had a massive beneficial spinoff for the Danish dairy and pork production sectors. Similar action for similar reasons in the Netherlands has produced similar benefits for Dutch pig producers

? The Government and food industry should adopt ambitious targets for organic production and exports and draw up a coherent strategy for the development of the sector.

There would be an enormous benefit to the development of the organic sector if there was direct funding of standards development and training which is at present carried out largely on a voluntary basis.

It would be nice if the Government and food industry actually implemented all the recommendations which have been made over the last 15 years. Although it is claimed that IR£0.6 million has been spent in recent years very little of this money has been paid towards market development, research, education, or standards development. Whilst considerable direct payments have been made under REPS this money is in fulfillment of European environmental commitment and has lacked the necessary backup to really assist sector development or the increase of production. OPARDF money has been more usefully targeted but is far too little and so hedged around with bureaucracy that it has often been cheaper and easier to proceed without it.

? An Organic Development Committee should be established for this purpose.

Yes of course, but previous organisations with similar titles, notably the Organic Consultative Committee, have achieved so little that farmers have perceived them as a way of avoiding action in the organic sector rather than taking it. The control of such an organisation needs to be with the organic sector rather than with politicians and civil servants - however well meaning those politicians and civil servants may be.

The Committee broadly concurs with the conclusions of the Food Industry Development Group. Significant changes will be required if the industry is to be profitable and provide an adequate return on capital in the increasingly competitive and demanding market conditions that are developing.

Yes

16.1: ADOPTING A MORE PROACTIVE APPROACH TO MARKETING

? Investment in effective marketing will be critical to the food industry’s capacity to compete and win market share in a rapidly changing marketplace

Yes

? Irish companies must adopt a more targeted marketing approach to branded products, private labels, niche markets and food service, as well as the traditional commodity markets.

Yes

? A comprehensive market research and intelligence service should be developed by Bord Bia, in co-operation with other agencies as appropriate. This will require significant resources.

Yes

? The marketing capability of companies must be developed through the disciplines of category management. This will require the allocation of increased resources in the areas of training, personnel, shopper research and effective promotional platforms.

Yes

? Trade marketing initiatives are required to assist companies targeting new markets. There should be an increased focus on developing market presence in continental EU markets by companies who have already established a track record in the Irish and UK markets.

Sometimes the EU market can be a more suitable one for new products than the Irish and UK markets. Where a product is more suitable for the EU market than for the more conservative home market there should be marketing assistance available to go directly to that market

? An increased focus is needed on opportunities in the expanding food service sector and exploration of opportunities arising from the emergence of new retail formats, including Internet shopping.

Yes - organic food is a sector where internet shopping has expanded particularly rapidly in other countries

? Irish food companies should re-evaluate their brand and private label strategies to ensure an appropriate strategic fit between their marketing capabilities and market opportunities.

Yes

16.2: IMPROVING THE LEVEL OF CONSUMER FOCUSED INNOVATION

? High quality Research and Development will be essential if the Irish food industry is to keep abreast of current market trends

Yes

? The indicative funding for food research and development in the National Development Plan should be ring-fenced, and the possibility of moving additional funds to this heading should be reviewed regularly.

Yes

? In allocating these and other public funds, priority should be given to companies which show a commitment to customer focused research, product development and innovation.

Yes

16.3: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS ALONG THE FOOD CHAIN

? It is imperative that stronger and clearer links across the food chain are established between farmers and processors and between processors and their customers.

Yes - organic farming is an area in which we have found that the fostering of links between producers, processors and the consumer has real marketing benefits

? The Committee welcomes the recent establishment of some market led producer groups.

Yes

? Centralised distribution may offer opportunities to Irish companies to reduce the time and cost involved in serving a large geographical area

Whilst centralised distribution has benefits in serving a large geographical area the consumer is becoming aware that it can also limit choice and disadvantage the small local producer. It also frequently adds to the time it takes for food to get from farm gate to supermarket shelf with consequences for nutrient levels. This is something that needs to be addressed by the major supermarket chains.

? The ‘efficient consumer response’ system is made possible by advances in information technology and the Committee believes that all food companies must, as a matter of urgency, develop high quality e-commerce capabilities.

Yes

16.4: RATIONALISING PRIMARY PROCESSING

? The search for efficiency and, within that context, the issue of scale, is vital to the future of the primary processing sector. Our current structures are far from optimum and there is a clear need for significant change.

The consumer suffers when small producers are disadvantaged by the distribution system

? To the extent permitted by EU state aid rules, and within the limits of the funds available, public funding for the closure of excess processing capacity should also be considered.

However the presence of local processing can have important implications for animal welfare

16.5: FACING THE CURRENT AND FUTURE CHALLENGES FOR THE BEEF INDUSTRY

? The emergence of a strong live export trade to the continent in the last two years poses a competitive challenge to the processing industry.

The organic sector is opposed to live exports and sees no reason why better relationships and understanding between culture cannot make it outdated and give Ireland the benefits accruing from more processing within this state

? It is particularly important that the beef industry should place itself in a realistic position to compete with live exporters for high-grade cattle. It is essential that realistic grade pricing be put in place immediately.

Yes

? A strong and well resourced marketing effort led by Bord Bia and supported by all players in the beef industry is required to build upon the positive consumer response to the eating quality of our beef product, and on the ‘green’ and welfare friendly image of our extensive production systems. The objective should be to create a clear premium market in the UK, and in targeted continental countries, for quality assured Irish beef.

Green, welfare friendly and it tastes better

16.6: ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES FACING THE DAIRY SECTOR

? There should be a continued focus on the further development of branded products where there has been considerable success in recent years, e.g. butter and cheese.

And organic products . Current Irish organic milk is of poor quality because the small number of producers leads to processing delays. Most of the organic yoghurt and cheese and all the butter in Irish supermarkets is imported - obviously there is a huge opportunity for import substitution.

Irish companies should be discouraged from manufacturing abroad and selling foreign produce under an Irish image. Greenvale's production of Charleville cheeses, produced in the UK, both conventional and organic, are the most obvious culprits in this regard.

? The recent increase in the percentage of milk processed into cheese products, while falling short of national targets, is a welcome development. Cheese consumption is continuing to grow in developed countries in all market segments. Accordingly an increase in the production of cheese must continue as a priority for the dairy processing industry over the next decade.

At present the coops are moving away from high quality specialist cheeses. In terms of long term market development this seems to be a major mistake

? Further growth in baby food production by the existing companies already located in Ireland should be encouraged and Ireland should be actively promoted as a location to other baby food manufacturers.

The baby food market is increasingly demanding organic ingredients even in its conventional products and is a valuable outlet for Irish organic product

16.7: ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES FACING THE PIG AND POULTRY SECTORS

? Irish poultry processing industry must seek economies through rationalisation and the development of a franchise for quality differentiated products, including those based on free range and organic production

Ireland has long needed an equivalent of "label rouge". The import of organic poultry increases week by week

16.9: DEVELOPING THE POTENTIAL OF SMALL FOOD FIRMS

? The further development of small and micro food firms, for example in the prepared foods confectionery and food service sectors, should be encouraged through targeted programmes.

17.3: IMPROVING SCALE IN DAIRY FARMING

? Specific measures should be put in place to assist smaller dairy farmers who have the potential to become viable. Such measures might include the type of action proposed by the County Clare Partnership Dairy Action Research Programme.

The organic option is a significant route to profitability for the lower quota dairy farmer. Such farmers frequently have more extensive management systems ideally suited to organic conversion

17.4: ENCOURAGING PRODUCTIVE INVESTMENT

? Labour saving investment by part-time farmers should be recognised as productive and valid. Public subsidy schemes should treat part-time and full-time farmers equally in all respects.

The Report dismisses the earnings potential of micro-farmers. It has been the experience of the organic sector that many of the most innovative and enterprising farmers in the sector start in the micro-farming and hobby farming areas. An example would be Bunalun, now a major supplier to Tesco in both Ireland and the UK

17.5: CHANGING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

? The fundamental overhaul of agricultural training currently being undertaken by Teagasc, and receiving detailed consideration by the task force on agricultural education and training, should be pursued urgently and subject to continued monitoring in light of future requirements.

As is noted in the report of the Committee there is a complete absence of certified government endorsed organic training at present although there are now accredited qualifications available in the North of Ireland.

17.6: PROVIDING EQUAL ACCESS TO SCHEMES

? The Committee recommends the introduction of one standard income assessment for all schemes. The assessment should be based on income from all sources without distinction between them.

Yes

18.1: ADDRESSING FARM HOUSEHOLD VIABILITY

? Government policy should aim to create and maintain viable farm households through:

- developing new approaches to supporting income from farming activities;

- providing targeted income support for the poorest farm families; and

- policies which create and maintain off-farm employment opportunities in rural areas.

Yes

? More information could also usefully be collected about household members – level of education, off-farm employment, commuting patterns, contribution to farm enterprise, etc.

The absence of so many areas of information suggests that the design of a farm household information database and the collection of this information should be put out to tender. The information required is obviously complex and there still seems some doubt about exactly what information is needed. Economic, social and scientific data all needs to be collected and collated.

18.2: DEVELOPING NEW APPROACHES TO FARM INCOME SUPPORT

? The options for achieving coherence and simplification of the various direct payments schemes should be regularly reviewed by DAFRD.

We cannot agree too strongly with this

? The Department should monitor implementation of the new French Loi d’Orientation and assess its usefulness in the Irish context.

Yes

? Research should be conducted on the existing systems of agricultural insurance in other countries and the possible application of such a scheme in Ireland.

Yes

? The reduction of rural poverty should continue to be a key objective of the NAPS, which is currently under review.

The Organic sector supports all efforts to alleviate rural poverty

18.4: ENCOURAGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF OFF-FARM EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

? The successful implementation of regional policies will be crucial in providing off-farm employment opportunities in rural areas.

The organic sector strongly support regional development strategies and the development of the National Spatial Strategy

18.5: CONTRIBUTING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

? Substantial effort and public funds have been committed to agri-environment measures but the reality of continuing pollution impacts, and the nature of our new EU and international commitments, means that further measures will be needed.

The control of pollution and the improvement of the rural environment are key strategies in the development of organic farming systems. The organic sector welcomes the raised awareness and levels of action in this area. We have considerable expertise and would be happy to share it.

? Special training and advisory services should be used as a key tool in educating farmers about the link between agricultural practice and pollution.

There is a need to educate some who consider themselves expert in this field in the area of ecology and environmental science. A lack of understanding of the impact of traditional farming on the shaping of the Irish environment has meant that under REPS there is sometimes environmental degradation and poor livestock management caused by a failure to marry traditional practices to the requirements of REPS

? A ‘Code of Good Farming Practice’ should be developed by DAFRD in consultation with the Department of the Environment and Local Government.

Yes, but see above

? The Committee would stress the need for strict implementation of environmental standards for all industry.

Yes, we would like to see the whole of Irish agriculture raising environmental standards to those implemented by organic farmers

? There should be a fair and balanced approach to drawing up the National Abatement Strategy on foot of the commitments in the Kyoto Protocol.

Yes

? The measures decided on under the Abatement Strategy will need to be integrated into the overall development strategy for the agri-food sector in due course.

Yes

? A greater effort is required through education, the provision of appropriate facilities and the enforcement of litter laws to deal with the litter problem.

Yes, and the same is true of other environmental legislation

Developments in Information and Communication Technologies are transforming the context in which all participants in the agri-food sector operate, and are creating important new opportunities and challenges for retailers, processors and farmers. At the same time biotechnology has emerged as a major issue of public debate and it too has the potential to bring profound changes to the sector.

19.1: RESPONDING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

? The future of our agri-food sector requires that we develop a strong competence in the new technology that is emerging so that we have the ability both to apply and to regulate it.

Organic farming is opposed to the introduction of GMOs into the environment or the human food chain. At present it seems clear that improperly researched products have been launched only to world markets without the due application of the precautionary principle. Organic farmers have a long history of being attacked for their opposition to practices which have, in the long term, proved to be dangerous. First generation GMOs show every indication of belonging to this category.

? The Committee welcomes the provision of £560m for a Technology Foresight Fund in the National Development Plan and the separate provision of a £25 million Technology Capability Fund for Teagasc. A significant share of the Foresight Fund should, in the Committee’s view, be earmarked for biotechnology agri-food research.

Organic farmers feel that the provision of £585 million for organic research would have even higher benefits - this would probably be a much higher figure than the total spent on organic farming research throughout the world in the last 60 years.

? The Committee agrees that we should pursue a positive but precautionary national policy position on the release of GMOs to the environment, based on scientific risk assessment and management.

Organic farmers call into question the acceptance of risk assessment based on research controlled by those with a financial interest in the release of GMOs into the environment. Furthermore we feel that the biotech industry continues to demonstrate carelessness in its control and monitoring of its products, as witness the accidental release of oilseed rape at present.

? Clear labeling of foods to indicate whether they contain GMOs is essential to consumer confidence and necessary to a full recognition of consumer rights.

Yes, this labeling should recognise that consumers have a wider definition of GMO than is presently covered by European regulations

? It will be necessary to develop systems to ensure that GMOs do not compromise the integrity of organic, or other non-GMO, production systems.

We cannot emphasise this point too strongly and refer to the consolidated standards of the three Irish Organic Certification Bodies, at present being prepared. Input by the Committee, by DAFRD, by Teagasc or by any other interested party is welcomed

19.2: DEVELOPING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR

? Retailers, processors, farmers and Government agencies will all be fundamentally affected by the future development of ICT. Only those who make the effort and investment needed to stay abreast of these developments will survive in the longer term.

Yes

? Rural industries and rural areas have more to gain from the new technology than those in less isolated locations.

Yes

? While the potential of the new technology is clear and widely acknowledged, the Committee is concerned that action is slower than warranted given the pace of ICT developments elsewhere.

Yes

? The Information Society Commission should pay particular attention to ICT applications in rural areas and in indigenous industries.

In the absence of Irish based research and education information and communications technology has formed the basis for ongoing sector education and for the development of communications in the sector in Ireland.

? Trade organisations, including retailer, processor and farmer organisations, in the agri-food sector should establish expert groups to examine ICT developments, and to identify and promote best practice.

The organic certification bodies would welcome all assistance with the development of their ICT practise

? The major initiative in the NDP to encourage indigenous companies to adopt IT and e-commerce as intrinsic tools of business is welcome. Implementation of this commitment should include both specialist and management training in ICT. Companies may also require assistance with necessary capital investment, and provision should be made for this under the relevant funding elements in the NDP.

Regulatory bodies such as the Organic Certification Bodies would also welcome assistance with the development of IT skills in order to assist their members in the e-commerce market place

? DAFRD, Teagasc and other State agencies should become leaders in ICT applications, both because of the efficiency improvements this will produce and the encouragement it will provide for others in the sector to match these developments.

High levels of ICT skills in State agencies improves the interraction between the agencies and their clients. The organic sector welcomes developments in this area

? It is important to ensure that rural areas are not allowed to fall behind in the development of the necessary infrastructure, including broadband access, for the latest ICT developments. The new National Rural Development Forum should monitor this issue carefully.

Yes, it is important the recommendation of the NRDF are used as the basis for action and not as a way of "letting off steam" and avoiding action

The support services operated by four of the main State agencies involved in the agri-food sector are changing to adapt to the new challenges facing the sector.

20.1: SUPPORT SCHEMES AND SERVICES OF DAFRD

? Every effort should be made to ensure that the very large number of schemes and services operated by the Department are undertaken with the minimum possible bureaucracy, consistent with the need to apply scrupulously the provisions of EU and national law and the requirements for proper financial and technical controls.

Yes

20.2: RESEARCH, ADVISORY AND TRAINING SERVICES OF TEAGASC

? Teagasc might also consider the possibility of concentrating production research at fewer locations in order to achieve critical mass in these activities.

Teagasc might be funded to expand its activities thus using its existing locations to the full. It is obvious from the work of the Committee so far that a great deal of necessary and urgent research is simply not being carried out due to lack of funds and personnel

20.3: MARKETING AND PROMOTION SERVICES OF AN BORD BIA

? The Committee welcomes and supports Bord Bia’s intention to further develop its information services. A comprehensive market research and intelligence service could be a key catalyst for consumer focused development in the sector.

Yes, there is clearly a need to move to consumer focused development

20.4: FOOD INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES OF ENTERPRISE IRELAND

? A strong coordinated focus on these strategic issues will be needed from all State bodies and industry participants if we are to make the necessary headway, but EI’s role will be pivotal. The Committee therefore looks to EI to provide leadership in implementation of many of the recommendations in this report.

The report seems to be a good starting point for the necessary re-assessment of Irish agriculture as we move into the new millennium. Whilst many acerbic comments have been made to the effect that 2010 is simply a way of putting changes on the long finger Organic Trust feels strongly that it is high time that this sort of long term strategic development planning was put into place and welcome the report.