Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

789. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the diversification of food exports taken in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39713/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Developing increased third country market access and furthering trade opportunities abroad are both integral parts of my Department’s response to the challenges posed by Brexit.

These goals are aligned with the strategic market development theme of Food Wise 2025, which outlines the significant potential for growth of our agri-food exports to new and existing markets, particularly in Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Gulf region.

Ireland's food and drink exports have greatly increased in recent years, with a greater proportion going to non-EU markets. For example, in 2019, total Irish agri-food exports came to €14.5 billion - an increase of 6% on 2018 - and Bord Bia has indicated that half of this growth has come from markets outside Europe.

The Government's commitment to new market development has been illustrated by its appointment of my colleague, Martin Heydon T.D., as Minister of State with specific responsibility for this task. In addition, my Department's international trade activities are being reorganised and further developed, as we deal with the twin challenges of Brexit and the Covid 19 pandemic.

Trade missions play a key role in market diversification. In recent years, successful visits have taken place to Turkey, China, Japan, South Korea, Algeria and Egypt, among others. Increased market access has been achieved through these visits, including the abolition of the age restriction on beef exports to Japan and the progression of beef access to South Korea. Destinations are selected strategically and in keeping with Bord Bia market prioritisation analysis.

Of course, our traditional "in person" method of developing trade with customers is not feasible currently. To that end my Department, in conjunction with Bord Bia, is holding a series of Virtual Trade Missions on five dates spanning November and December with customers in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. These interactive engagements will include Irish exporters and existing and potential overseas customers. In addition, Minister Heydon and myself, together with Bord Bia, have held virtual engagements with key customers in Germany, US, UAE, UK, Japan, China and the Philippines in recent weeks.

My Department will continue to seek out and identify new markets, and I am ready to respond as appropriate to any opportunities that may arise.