Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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245. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which Irish agricultural products will be marketed to other nations outside of the United Kingdom in view of the UK referendum to leave the EU; the steps he is taking in the development of plans for individual food sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3323/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Indeed, this is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU, which presents significant new challenges for the agri-food sector in particular. 

Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region. This is where our efforts will be focused for the foreseeable future, particularly given the need to diversify our markets and to reduce our reliance on traditional destinations such as the UK.  

In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025, I and Minister Doyle led trade missions to China, Singapore, Vietnam and South Korea in September 2016.  In November I also led a trade mission to Morocco which was extended at senior official level to include Algeria.  Earlier in 2016, senior officials accompanied a Bord Bia trade mission to Iran, and travelled on to Turkey and met with officials to discuss trade of live animals.  

I will lead a Trade Mission to the Gulf Region at the end of February. This will cover the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.  My Department is currently working with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland to finalise the arrangements for this mission, which will include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as political discussions with my counterparts in the host countries.  

The mission will serve to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.  It will also promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products in the Gulf region. I am also considering a range of other destinations for the remainder of 2017, although no decision has yet been made in terms of content or timing.  Again, markets in Asia, Africa and America are likely to feature prominently in these considerations, and I am of course ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.