Press release
Minister McConalogue delivers Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has today welcomed the signing into law of the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill 2022 by President Michael D. Higgins.
Minister McConalogue said:
“This landmark legislation, which I have personally led out on since being in opposition, demonstrates my long-standing commitment to bring increased fairness and transparency to the agricultural and food supply chain.
“The independent Office, which was a key Programme for Government commitment, will be known as An Rialálaí Agraibhia and will promote and enforce the principles of fairness and transparency in the agricultural and food supply chain, having a particular regard to farmers, fishers and small food businesses.”
This new Office will be able to do this in several ways:
Minister McConalogue concluded:
“I am delighted that the Bill has now been enacted and I thank my colleagues in Government for their support and the members of the Oireachtas who engaged so constructively with the Bill.”
The Board of An Rialálaí Agraibhia, comprising a Chairperson and seven ordinary Board members, will be appointed following a competitive process through the State Boards office.
The CEO-designate of An Rialálaí Agraibhia has already been appointed following a competitive process and is currently Head of the interim UTP Enforcement, which will transfer to the new Office on its establishment.
Secondary legislation to implement the Act is in preparation.