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Limerick people believe agriculture will be central to economic growth E-mail
Written by David Raleigh   
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
PEOPLE in Limerick and the rest of Munster have surprisingly claimed that “agriculture” will play a “central role” in Ireland’s future economic growth, according to new research.
Retention of money in local economies, creation of jobs and environmental protection have all been identified as the key contributors that the sector will make to rejuvenate the Irish economy, according to the TNS MRBI poll.

The research was conducted among Munster’s General Public for the recent launch of Agri Aware’s CAP–The Consumer Benefits information campaign.
Food safety, environmental protection, tourism development and creation of employment and are the main messages of the two week initiative, co-funded by the European Commission.
The study found that: Agriculture (20%) is perceived in Munster as the second most important industry for future economic growth, ahead of construction (14%), manufacturing (10%) and tourism (9%). Science and Technology (43%) is ranked as the most important.
Those who acknowledged agriculture, claim it will benefit the economy through: Continued production of safe food (91%); Job Creation (90%); Environmental Protection (81%); Retention of money in local communities (79%).
“The general public are beginning to realise the vital economic contribution agriculture makes year in, year out. Agriculture makes a significant value-added contribution to our economy. For every €100 of output generated by agriculture, €75 is spent on Irish raw materials, labour and services. Most other areas of manufacturing invest only €38,” Agri Aware Secretary, Pat Smith said.
Consumers were also asked about their views on the Common Agricultural Policy and its benefits.
Those aware of the system claimed food production standards (61%) and the creation and maintenance of rural jobs (47%) were the greatest beneficiary of the system, followed closely by the protection of the environment (46%).
“The Common Agricultural Policy is a vital support mechanism for the Irish farming community and ultimately, our economy. Much more needs to be done to educate the public, as approximately 50% were unaware of the vital benefits the CAP provides by way of food security and reasonably priced food,” Mr Smith added.
CAP–the Consumer Benefits consists of national press advertising and a consumer information guide.
The advertising campaign will run until October 5, across a range of newspaper titles and will highlight the consumer benefits of the Common Agricultural Policy.

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