Written answers

Wednesday, 27 January 2010

Department of Agriculture and Food

Food Industry

6:00 am

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 115: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of Bord Bia's export performance and prospects report, he is satisfied that the value of Irish food and drink exports will stabilise and improve in the future. [3881/10]

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Irish food and drink exporters faced unprecedented challenges in 2009 due to a sustained decline in the value of sterling, the economic downturn and a sharp slowdown in global demand for major commodities.

Over recent months there are tentative indications that exports are beginning to stabilise as the global economy begins to show signs of returning to growth. Stronger volumes and better returns are in prospect for the key dairy and meat sectors, which between them represent 60% of total exports. Significant investments by prepared food companies to broaden market presence on the Continent are expected to increase exports over the coming years. Currency developments and consumer sentiment will remain critical.

The long-term outlook for the sector, with its high export orientation, is positive. Due to an expanding world population the world will need to produce over 40 % more food by 2030 and some 70 % more by 2050. The latest long term outlook by the FAO covering the period to 2018 suggests that prices for key products such as dairy and meat will remain above the levels seen in the decade to 2006.

The challenge for the industry to improve competitiveness while broadening export reach is formidable. Recognising this, Bord Bia has a series of initiatives in place aimed at enhancing the export performance of the sector. An example is Marketplace 2010 in February, which will host 290 international food and drink buyers from eighteen countries, as well as 85 Irish buyers, to meet with some 160 Irish companies in Dublin involving over 2,500 pre scheduled meetings.

Under Bord Bia's Marketing Fellowship programme, initiated in October 2009, 25 experienced graduates are currently working in 13 overseas export markets to help boost Irish food and drink exports and support some 113 Irish companies expand market reach.

These initiatives, combined with the track record of the Irish food and drink industry to show agility to change with market requirements, will ensure that the sector is well placed to grow the value of exports over the coming years and play an active role in a national drive to secure a sustainable economic renewal for the Irish economy.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.