Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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187. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which new markets for beef, lamb, pig meat or poultry or products thereof continue to be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53576/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have been very active in developing relationships in new and expanding markets for beef, lamb and pigmeat, raising the profile of Ireland and guaranteeing confidence in Irish production and control systems; this provides a platform for long-term trading relationships into the future.

Since my appointment, I have led trade missions to China, the US, Algeria and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the Middle East. I recently accompanied the Taoiseach on a trade mission to Japan, one of the highlights of which was the agreement to open the market there to Irish beef. In November the US lifted its ban on the importation of beef from the European Union. This was one of my priorities last year when I visited the US, where I pushed the matter strongly with the US Department of Agriculture Secretary of State, Tom Vilsackand in meetings with Senators. My Department is now advancing the various technical requirements to ensure commencement of the trade at the earliest possible date.

My Department engages on a daily basis with many countries, in collaboration with Bord Bia and Irish embassies’ personnel on market access issues.

These initiatives have led to a number of notable successes in securing agreement to import from authorities in Japan, Singapore, Egypt and Iran which allow the import of Irish beef; with Singapore, South Africa, UAE, Canada and the Russian Federation-Customs Union for the import of Irish sheep meat and with Australia and Serbia for the import of Irish pork.

Whilst the UK, as the largest single destination, and Continental Europe together account for the majority of pig meat exports, there has been a continued shift in recent years towards Third Country markets for pig meat. This differs from developments in other meats, particularly beef. Approximately one-third of Irish pig meat export volumes are destined for international markets, with China, the USA and Russia accounting for the majority of this trade.

Irish beef is now listed with more than 75 high-end retail chains across EU markets. This wide portfolio of customers has contributed significantly to higher returns for Irish beef in recent years and reflects the success of Bord Bia’s differentiation and premiumisation strategy which focuses on the key attributes of Irish beef: environmentally sustainable, grass-based production systems, full traceability, quality assurance at all stages and superior eating quality. Among Bord Bia’s key initiatives this year is the continued development, global promotion and marketing of its Origin Green initiative, designed to establish Ireland as a world leader in sustainably produced food and drink. Over 200 companies are currently working with Bord Bia to develop, and commit to, sustainability plans setting out clear targets in emissions, energy, waste, water, biodiversity and corporate social responsibility activities.

Last week a delegation from my Department visited China for discussions with authorities there on the lifting of the beef BSE ban which prohibits imports from any EU country. While there are a number of stages to go before Ireland secures access for beef to China, I am hopeful that these can be progressed in 2014.

There is a strong demand for meat globally and my focus is to enable Irish exporters to take advantage of the opportunities that arise.