I have remarked on a number of occasions that no other issue attracts more correspondence in my area of responsibility. Compliance with higher animal welfare standards is generally presented as a cost. But it can also be an opportunity. This is the message I am getting from large retailers who, in response to their customers demands, are increasingly insistent on reassurance from suppliers that their produce has been produced in accordance with acceptable standards. Again, Ireland can profit from its less intensive systems to take advantage of this trend.
Nutrition is another area where the market is liable to change.
At present, the preoccupation is with safety. As long as a food is safe, not too many questions are asked about its quality and especially its nutritional value. Nutrition is a delicate area. But, equally we know that nutrition has huge implications for our health. I am convinced that a middle way can be found which can reconcile these contrasts.