Written answers

Wednesday, 13 July 2016

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Food Exports

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

70. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects to pursue new markets for Irish beef, lamb, pigmeat, poultry and dairy products over the next five years; if live exports of beef is likely to form a feature of any such strategy; the degree to which he expects Irish farmers to benefit in the short to medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21321/16]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Irish agrifood exports have increased from less than €8 billion in 2010 to an estimated €10.8 billion in 2015. Dairy exports in 2015 were valued at over €3.2bn and the dairy sector is by a number of measures the country’s largest indigenous industry. 2015 was also a very successful year for meat exports. According to Bord Bia, overall exports of beef, sheepmeat and pigmeat increased by €130 million to €3.2 billion.

The target in Food Wise 2025 is to increase the overall value of agrifood exports by 85% to €19 billion by 2025. Third Country markets are an increasingly important alternative outlet for the industry. The development of new and alternative markets, given the changing global demographics and emerging economies in Asia and elsewhere, is a crucial component of the Food Wise 2025 Strategy.

In the medium and long term global demographics will result in strong global demand for meat and dairy products and my role as Minister is to facilitate market access so that Irish exporters can take advantage of business opportunities as they arise.

My Department engages on an ongoing basis with many third countries, in collaboration with Bord Bia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Irish Embassies, the industry and the European Commission on various market access issues. Live cattle exports are an important part of the overall mix and can offer an alternative outlet to farmers for their cattle.

Last week we had further success with the announcement by the US authorities that Ireland has become the first EU Member State to be allowed to export beef for grinding there.

I am acutely aware of the need to develop as many market outlets as possible for Irish meat and dairy products. I will continue to work with stakeholders to raise the profile of the Irish meat and dairy sectors, and the Irish agrifood sector generally, in emerging markets in the Far East, North Africa, the Gulf States and elsewhere.

As an initial step I intend to lead a trade mission to China, Vietnam and Singapore in September to further promote Irish food and drink in the region.

I am acutely aware of the need to continuously develop relationships in new and expanding markets in order to build upon the kind of confidence in Irish production and control systems that provide a platform for long-term trading relationships in the future. I can assure the deputy that the search for new opportunities in both emerging and more mature markets will continue to be a priority.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.