Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to boost the pig industry; if he will acknowledge the difficulties caused to pig producers by the Government's decision to vote against the GM grain proposition; his views that current prices are unsustainably low in view of the high costs associated with this industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47832/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The pig sector is an important component of the Irish agricultural sector. With a farmgate value of some €300 million, and employment in the industry of approximately 7,000, the sector provides an important source of income to rural communities all over the country. Almost half of Irish production is exported with the UK accounting for 50% of exports with the remainder split between Continental Europe and third countries.

In common with other meats, returns to pig producers have fallen as a result of the economic recession. Prices fell in 2009 but recovered somewhat during the early and mid part of 2010. Currently prices are approximately 8% ahead year on year, an increase of €9.50 per 100kgs. Irish price movements over recent years have in general, mirrored those of the EU as a whole.

Pork remains the most-consumed meat worldwide and consumption is expected to increase steadily over the next decade. In order to best position the Irish industry to share in that growth, I am progressing a number of initiatives.

The Food Harvest 2020 Report incorporates the development strategy for the Irish pig industry prepared by Teagasc and identifies the issues facing the sector and makes certain recommendations. I am chairing a group to address the implementation of all the recommendations of the Food Harvest Report.

On marketing and promotions, the domestic market remains the most important for Irish pigmeat, accounting for 50% of our production. Therefore, protecting and maintaining the market share of Quality Assured pigmeat in Irish retail is critical for the Irish industry. Bord Bia will continue to work with the industry and invest heavily in consumer promotions at retail and education programmes at foodservice level to promote Quality Assurance.

In addition, ongoing marketing initiatives conducted by Bord Bia both at home and overseas are instrumental in supporting the pigmeat sector. Resources have been increased by Bord Bia, through the Marketing Fellowship Programme, which is intended to increase the number of customers for Irish pig meat within the EU. By targeting the end users and further manufacturers directly, the intention is to shorten the supply chain and return greater value to exports. Irish pigmeat is currently exported to over 20 non-EU markets and it is my policy and that of the Government to ensure that Irish producers have access to markets worldwide. My Department will continue to work with Bord Bia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the industry to identify and develop other potential markets.

In relation to the authorisation of GM's for use in animal feed I have not voted against any proposals brought forward by the Commission. Notwithstanding my abstention in all such votes, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government on GMOs, all of the GM proposals submitted for consideration by the Council of Ministers have been authorised by the Commission.