Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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253. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to source new markets for the beef sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35764/14]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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256. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of potential new markets for Irish beef, lamb, pigmeat or poultry identified or identifiable now and-or in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35767/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 256 together.

I am constantly seeking to develop relationships in new and expanding international markets for all Irish meats and dairy products, raising the profile of Ireland and increasing international confidence in Irish production and control systems. My aim is to build long-term trading relationships into the future in these sectors, particularly in new and emerging markets and since taking office I have led trade missions to China, the US, Algeria and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the Middle East. In November I will lead a trade mission to China to progress further the advances we have already made towards gaining access to that lucrative market.

There is a strong demand for meat globally and my focus is to enable Irish exporters to take advantage of the opportunities that arise. 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 sheepmeat and with Australia and Serbia for the import of Irish pork. To date in 2014, the Lebanon has agreed to re-open its market to Irish beef, sheepmeat and cooked meats. A certificate has also been agreed with Hong Kong allowing for the export of Irish sheepmeat and agreement has been reached with Namibia on a certificate for the export of beef, sheepmeat and goatmeat. In recent weeks we have also gained access to Vietnam for pigmeat and to the Philippines for beef, sheepmeat and pork.

In November 2013, the US lifted its ban on the importation of beef from the European Union. This was one of my priorities the previous year when I visited the US, where I pushed the matter strongly with the US Department of Agriculture Secretary of State, Tom Vilsack and in meetings with Senators. My Department is working with the meat industry to advance the various technical requirements to ensure commencement of the trade at the earliest possible date.

In December 2013, 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 my visit in November will help to progress further our objective of access for Irish beef.

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.