Madam, - It is a matter of some disappointment that Ruairí Quinn should so readily write off the entire agri-food sector in his recent article, in which he advocates that Ireland should seek a technological, rather than an agricultural, position in the next EU Commission (July 9th).
Far from being a relic of the past, as he seems to think, Irish agriculture is still a critical indigenous industry that has several advantages over foreign direct investment.
For example, its contribution to GDP is not overstated because of profit repatriation, and moreover, the GDP figure does not capture the full value of a sector which is based on very low import content, being predicated on the use of local, natural resources.
The agri-food sector actually accounts for about 9 per cent of GDP - this is only possible because of the solid base provided by a modern but consumer-oriented farming sector.
In contrast, what computer factory or chemical research facility can claim to be the custodians of our rural landscape, which is so important to the Irish tourism sector?
Nor does farming bring any major costs in terms of urban congestion and transport difficulties, provided that we can continue to maintain farm families in business.
These factors alone would provide good grounds for Ireland actively seeking the agriculture portfolio for the next Irish commissioner.
However, the assessment by Mr Quinn seems to ignore the reality that the agriculture brief is one of the most critical EU posts by virtue of the fact that unlike other sectors, most critical decisions relating to agriculture are made at EU level.
To give two examples, the next EU agriculture commissioner will be one of the key EU negotiators that will be involved in shaping the next WTO agreement.
It hardly needs to be explained why a favourable outcome to these negotiations is absolutely critical to Ireland's vital national interests.
The next commissioner will also be in charge of a reform of rural development policy, following the publication this week of the EU Commissioner's review proposals, which is of considerable importance to balanced regional development.
A prosperous food industry providing nutritious, naturally produced food for discerning EU consumers cannot be dismissed as "looking backwards".
The post of agriculture commissioner is a critical one, and one that Ireland should be proud to accept. - Yours, etc.,
EDDIE PUNCH, General Secretary, Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association, Lyster House, Portlaoise, Co Laois.