Written answers

Wednesday, 6 July 2011

Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food

Food Exports

9:00 pm

Photo of Dominic HanniganDominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of County Meath food companies that Bord Bia is promoting through its events in overseas markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19202/11]

Photo of Dominic HanniganDominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will outline each of the individual initiatives he and the State agencies under his aegis are using to promote County Meath-based producers abroad and at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19204/11]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 141 together.

As Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, I am committed to promoting quality Irish food. Ireland now exports food, drink and horticulture products to over 170 countries and Bord Bia, which is under my remit, has developed activities and services for companies focusing on the following strategic priorities:

Promoting Ireland – the Sustainable Food Island

Delivering business development initiatives to broaden export reach

Enhancing the position of Irish food, drink and horticulture on the Irish market

Driving consumer-focused innovation through market knowledge

Pursuing a repositioning and differentiation strategy for Irish meat

Supporting a dynamic and growth oriented small business sector.

It would not be effective to develop promotional services abroad based on differentiation by county. Companies from all counties participate in Bord Bia services. In most cases, market outlets in a county provide the most usual starting point for a food business. Over 350 small companies alone are clients of Bord Bia's Vantage programme, www.bordbiavantage.ie. My Department and Bord Bia have developed a code of good practice for farmers' markets and I am pleased that Navan Town Centre Market was awarded the Banner in April.

In June I launched the first of a series of Regional Food Showcases to promote regional business to business trade in the food sector. The first, the South East Showcase, was held in Kilkenny, where 49 small companies showcased their food and drink products. Further events are being planned and will involve producers, buyers from the retail and food service sectors, a mapping of regional food opportunities and the launch of a regional directory of food companies. Regional and county food strengths were also on show at events such as BLOOM 2011, which was organised by Bord Bia and attracted 89,000 visitors to the show gardens, horticulture and artisan food village. The visit by Queen Elizabeth II was also used by my Department and Bord Bia to showcase the best of Irish food produce and the Deputy will be aware that Meath strawberries featured on the menu for the State dinner in Dublin Castle. This media coverage gives Irish food producers publicity and opportunities for business.

I can advise the Deputy that further information on all Bord Bia activities can be found on their website www.bordbia.ie.

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