Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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107. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which further overseas markets continue to be identified for Irish meat, dairy and fish products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19132/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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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 Co-operation Council (GCC) countries in the Middle East. In relation to the individual sectors, the latest position is as is as follows:

MeatMarkets

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 very frequent 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 export beef to the US, Japan, Singapore, Egypt and Iran, to export sheepmeat to Singapore, South Africa, UAE, and Canada and to export pigmeat to Australia and Serbia.

In 2014, the Lebanon 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. Agreement was reached with the Philippines on the export of beef, sheepmeat and pigmeat and with Vietnam on the export of pork. Ireland can also export fresh pork in consumer ready cuts packaged for direct retails sale to New Zealand.

In relation to China, there has been a lifting of the ban on boneless beef from Ireland for animals under 30 months. However, further work is required before trade will commence and my Department is at present engaging with the Chinese authorities on these technical aspects.

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.

Dairy markets

The milk quota regime ended on March 31st. The abolition of milk quota presents a massive opportunity for the Irish dairy sector and one which we should look forward to with confidence. Planning for the post quota period by has been ongoing amongst all stakeholders for a number of years and I believe we have the right balance of measures in place to ensure that Irish dairy farmers can enter the new era with full confidence.

Most market analysts predict that medium-term prospects for global dairy markets are good, with growth in world population and wealth expected to stimulate strong levels of demand for dairy products. My aim is to help position the Irish dairy sector to be able to take advantage of this opportunity.

Irish Dairy produce is exported to what is now approaching 130 countries and in 2014 exports were valued at over €3bn. Due to its reputation and significant global footprint, the dairy sector in Ireland retains significant future growth potential. The removal of quotas will be a key driver in this respect. Ireland exported dairy products worth €2.3Bn in 2010 and by last year this had risen by over one-third to over €3bn. I remain acutely aware of the need to develop as many market outlets as possible for Irish dairy products. Key markets presenting future market possibilities for growth include China, the Middle East and Africa, and the re-opening of the Russian market is also an important objective.

Fish markets

There is a strong demand for fish globally and there will be export opportunities created by a requirement for an extra 40 million tonnes of seafood globally due to world population growth by 2030. Seafood is increasingly being recognised as a natural valuable, cost effective source of protein for a growing global population. In 2014 the value of seafood exports from Ireland was €519 million.

As well as the seafood export opportunities in the 28 EU Member States, there are many existing seafood trade agreements with 3rd countries including US, Canada. Ireland also has Memoranda of Understanding with China, Japan and the Russian Federation. A strong performance and attendance by Irish seafood companies at April 2015 Seafood Expo in Brussels highlighted Irish seafood as a world recognised quality-led brand.