Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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484. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has satisfied himself regarding the future development of the pigmeat sector with consequent export opportunities; if cognisance is taken of potential threats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41953/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department carefully monitors developments in the pigmeat sector, both domestically and internationally, and meets with stakeholders regularly to hear their views on developments.

The pig sector remains a valuable and integral part of the Irish agricultural economy supporting approximately 7,000 jobs including production, slaughter, processing, feed manufacture and services. The sector accounts for 7.8% of Gross Agricultural Output and is the third largest individual component. In 2016 Irish pigmeat exports were 4% higher at €615m. Exports of Irish pigmeat to international markets however grew by 20% driven by higher demand from Asia. Irish prices are currently strong and remain broadly in line with EU prices, reflecting continued market confidence in Europe and strong demand in China, the second most important market for Irish pigmeat.

Support is provided by my Department for the development of the pigmeat sector in a number of ways. Firstly I have included provision throughout the whole RDP for a specific Pigs and Poultry Investment Scheme with a budget of €17 million. Other supports for development of the sector come through Teagasc which, through its Moorepark pig research facility, courses in pig production, knowledge transfer programme and the provision of technical advice plays an important role in improving production at farm level. Teagasc is currently planning a pilot project to apply LEAN based principles at primary production level which would help to improve competitiveness of the sector.

I am also conscious of the need to promote the consumption of Irish pigmeat in domestic and overseas markets. Bord Bia provides assistance to the pigmeat sector through its marketing and promotional activities and the quality assurance schemes which help consolidate the position of Irish pigmeat produce on the domestic market. Support from Bord Bia also helps expand the presence of Irish exports on EU and third country markets, which is evident from the continued rise in exports, particularly to Asia.

I recently announced further funding of €6.745 million for Bord Bia to undertake a programme of additional activities to support the food and drink sectors in addressing the market challenges relating to Brexit. This in addition to a number of recent initiatives including the re-configuration of the market access effort within my Department and the provision of additional resources for this purpose, the development of a new portal website which will bring together in the one location the full range of open markets and products, the relevant conditions of certification in a user-friendly manner for exporters, and a programme of trade missions to provide an opportunity to Irish exporters to develop a market profile and  presence in third countries.

I am committed to ensuring that as many alternative markets as possible are open to the Irish pigmeat sector to ensure the continuation of positive prospects for future growth. Securing access for Irish products and increasing penetration in international markets is a priority against the background of Brexit. There have been a number of significant successes in recent times and agri food exports to China, for example, have almost tripled in value to more than €700 million since 2010.

Finally, threats from significant diseases such as African swine fever are monitored continuously, and the industry is updated with disease alerts when outbreaks occur in nearby countries, or countries with relevant links to the Irish pig industry. The Department has worked with other organisations to ensure that disease fact sheets and biosecurity advice are available to both the commercial and the non-intensive/pet pig sectors.