Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

223. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to hardship amongst pig farmers with small to medium sized piggeries due to low prices; and the measures he plans to introduce to assist them through this crisis. [20352/18]

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

Price volatility has been a significant challenge for the pig meat sector and developments over the last few years emphasising the cyclical nature of prices in the sector. Current prices stand at €139.54/100 kg which is 15% below prices at the same time in 2017 (an exceptional year for pig prices) but remain above the price at the same stage in 2016.

My Department and I have made a substantial effort to encourage market diversification. The importance of this is illustrated by the significant expansion in Ireland’s pig meat exports to East Asia and to China in particular. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Brexit lends an even greater importance to expansion of access to international markets.

In June of 2017 I visited Mexico, the fourth largest importer of chilled and frozen pork in the world. With Mexican demand continuing to grow I have made access to that market a top priority.  I also travelled to Japan and the Republic of Korea last autumn to promote the development of further opportunities for Irish producers in these markets as I want to continue the diversification of markets to which Ireland has access. Exports to Japan more than doubled to €22m in 2017, putting it in second place in international markets. We can also expect that the new free trade agreement with Japan (JEEPA) will further enhance trade opportunities. Growth in the Philippines was also strong, up 54%, making it the third-largest international market for Irish pigmeat exports. China is now the largest third country market with exports of €102m last year. I will lead a trade mission to China this month visiting Beijing and Shanghai.  This visit will include events, in association with Bord Bia, to promote Irish pork to further develop export opportunities.

With Irish production up 1.2% in 2017 and export value increasing by 8% to €790 million, I will continue to work closely with the sector and, by focusing on insight-led growth strategies, take advantage of opportunities for Irish pig meat exporters on international markets.