Will Budget 2027 Include A National Plant Based Food Fund?
Summary
Newstalk Breakfast discusses a proposed national plant-based food fund for the 2027 budget, modeled on Denmark’s system. Gerard Kiley of the Vegan Society argues it would support Irish farmers in growing fruit and vegetables, reducing heavy reliance on imports. Francie Gorman of the Irish Farmers Association surprisingly agrees, highlighting the critical need for capital to sustain the shrinking horticulture sector. The segment concludes with a listener criticizing the government’s ability to implement such a fund given current energy cost issues.
Topics discussed
Sherwin-Williams Super Sale advertisement
Intro: Proposal for national plant-based food fund
Gerard Kiley: Survey data and the Danish model
Francie Gorman: IFA support for horticulture
Challenges: Labor costs, capital, and climate action
Benefits: Food security and keeping money local
EU Leadership and international comparisons
Diversification and balanced diet perspectives
Decline of growers and EU CAP negotiations
State aid rules and need for new entrants
Host reaction and listener text message
Listener critique on government capability
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