Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which food exports to the EU and worldwide have increased in each of the past five years to date; if particular issues have presented which might show a need for renewed efforts arising from emerging competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28885/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland's food and beverage exports are outlined in the table below. As you can see, both 2010 and 2011 were very good years for Irish agriculture. However, 2009 was a particularly bad year and I am conscious that in a global marketplace there are many challenges can cause difficulties for Irish farmers.

In 2010 a detailed analysis of the agriculture sector led to the production of Food Harvest 2020, which is a strategy for the sector over the coming decade. This ambitious plan envisages strong growth in the sector. In particular it is expected that milk production will increase by 50%,but also that output from the sector should increase by 33% and the value of exports to should rise to €12bn per annum. Disruption in global markets, such as the current economic crisis, trade embargoes or political unrest, can all adversely impact on our ability to export our produce. However, the Irish agriculture and food sector has shown itself to be extraordinarily resilient and innovative in finding new markets, as was shown recently with the highly successful trade mission to China. I am confident that we will deal with challenges as they arise and continue to export our high-quality produce all over the world.