Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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481. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the future development of the agrifood sector notwithstanding Brexit or other challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41950/17]

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.

In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025, I have initiated a number of very important steps including the introduction of a seven point plan to increase international market access for Irish food and drink exports. The plan operates with significant input from Bord Bia and Irish Embassies around the world, to help increase the footprint of our food and drink exports.

It is critical at this time to work towards diversifying market outlets for our agri products, while at the same time retaining access to the critically important UK market. To that end, I have supported Bord Bia's marketing strategy by initially allocating €3.6m for market work in 2016 and 2017 and more recently by allocating a further €6.7m to support a market prioritisation exercise and a range of strategic marketing and promotion activities.

In order to retain the hard won markets within the UK, I have met with the CEOs of the major UK retailers to impress upon Ireland's continued commitment to meeting the requirements of UK retailers and consumers. Next month I will lead a further Trade Mission to South East Asia, this time to Japan and the Republic of Korea where I hope to deepen trade ties and develop new market opportunities.

This strategy for the identification of new markets links the market access efforts of my Department with both the market insights and supports available from Bord Bia and the measures to improve competitiveness at company level operated by Enterprise Ireland. An active programme of trade missions combines these efforts and those of Ireland’s embassy in a "team Ireland" approach to trade development.

I wish to assure the House that I and the Government remain very focused on supporting the agri-food industry through the challenges ahead. I will continue to consult with the industry as the negotiations develop, and press Ireland's case for continued free access to the UK market, without tariffs and with or burdensome customs and administrative procedures.