Written answers

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Dairy Sector

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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308. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of Bord Bia's involvement in the quality checking of milk (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46468/15]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My understanding is that the Deputy is referring to the requirements of the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS) as implemented by Bord Bia. This same scheme seeks to underpin Ireland’s sustainability credentials in the area of dairy production and represents a key distinguishing factor for our export focussed dairy products. Sustainability considerations are becoming an ever increasing factor in purchasing decisions among international buyers of dairy products.

The Bord Bia SDAS is a voluntary scheme and was developed in co-operation with milk producers, farm organisations, processors and regulatory authorities. It has been designed to assist in securing new and existing markets for Irish dairy produce as farmers look to increase milk production in a post quota era. It can therefore provide the necessary proof to customers of dairy products that milk has been produced under both Sustainability and Quality Assurance criteria.

The scheme is open to all milk producers with a valid herd registration, supplying milk processors in the Republic of Ireland.  To apply for membership the producer will complete an application form which can be returned to Bord Bia via their milk purchaser or directly to Bord Bia. The application will then be evaluated and, as appropriate, a full independent audit of the milk producer may be carried out to evaluate the capability of the applicant to meet all the requirements of the Standard. When the producer is deemed to have complied with the requirements of the Standard, the herd will be considered for certification under the Scheme. When certified, the producer will be issued with a certificate for the herd which will be listed on the Bord Bia register/database.

In 2015 Ireland exported over €3.2 billion in dairy products to 130 different countries. The SDAS, as part of an overall approach to demonstrating our sustainability credentials which includes the Origin Green programme at industry level, assists in the process of giving Irish dairy products a competitive advantage in third country markets.

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