Written answers

Tuesday, 10 July 2018

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Food Exports

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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742. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on efforts to expand markets for Irish food production in China, India and south east Asia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30870/18]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agrifood exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agrifood 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 agrifood sector in particular. 

Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agrifood 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 led a very successful Trade Mission to Japan and South Korea in November 2017.   This was a very opportune time to bring a delegation of Ireland’s food leaders to this part of the world, given that the EU has concluded a Free Trade Agreement with South Korea as well as concluding an Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan in December 2017.  Japan and South Korea are markets of high potential for beef, pigmeat and sheepmeat exports, and so it is important that we raise the profile of Irish agrifood enterprises that already have access to these markets, and make progress in negotiating access for others.

Following a further Trade Mission to the US and Canada last February, I led a Trade Mission to China in May.  This was an extremely successful mission in the development of our ever-growing partnership with China. For example, being present at one of the World’s largest food trade exhibitions in Shanghai allowed me to reinforce the positive messages about the quality and sustainability of Irish agrifood exports to Asian buyers.  I also met with three senior Chinese Ministers and three Vice-Ministers over the course of the week. The value of our agrifood exports to China in 2017 reached just under €800 million. There is a clear ambition on both sides to further build co-operation between Ireland and China on many levels, including trade, and I will continue to do all I can to maximise this potential. 

These and the other missions that my Department are planning for the latter half of 2018 will serve to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in these destinations.  They will also help to promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products.

The destinations are also in keeping with the market prioritisation exercise that was completed by Bord Bia in December 2017, at my request. This exercise identified opportunities in new and more mature markets, and will provide valuable market intelligence both for industry operators and policy makers as we continue to navigate the very uncertain environment created by Brexit.

The Indian market is traditionally seen as a difficult market for Irish food and drinks exports to penetrate, due to restrictions in quotas, high tariffs and non-tariff barriers.  However, I am pleased to note that Irish exports have increased in recent years. In 2013 total Irish agrifood exports amounted to just over €1m, while in 2017 this has increased to €5.2m.  I also note that the Kerry Group opened a facility in India in 2012 producing consumer food ingredients for the Indian market. The potential revival of the EU-India FTA could also see opportunities increasing for Irish product with the removal of tariffs. 

My Department will continue to monitor this and of course seek out and identify new markets, and I am also ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.

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