Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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157. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the destinations for Irish agri-food exports post Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25998/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Irish exports of agri-food food products have continued to grow over recent years, despite the significant supply chain challenges associated with Brexit and COVID-19.

Based on latest CSO trade figures, the total value of Irish agri-food exports in 2021 was €15.5 billion, an increase of €1.2 billion, or 8.4%, compared to 2020, and an increase of €886 million on 2019 figures.  

Exports to our top 10 export destinations - UK, US, Netherlands, France, Germany, China, Italy, Spain, Belgium and Nigeria - were either higher or remained stable in 2021 compared to 2020, which represents a strong performance given the supply chain challenges which COVID-19 in particular presented.

In respect of exports to our largest market, and despite the uncertainty associated with the new post-Brexit trading environment, exports to the UK increased by 8.2%, or some €438 million.

While the full impacts of Brexit have not yet been experienced, and the war in Ukraine has created further uncertainty, I am confident that the sector is well-placed to continue to grow its export footprint over the coming years.  There is high demand amongst consumers for sustainably produced, high-quality food, and Irish producers are well placed to deliver on these demands.

The industry's Food Vision 2030 strategy sets a clear course for the sector to develop in a sustainable manner. I am excited about the coming period, and about the opportunities to continue to promote the values and culture of our food production systems in international markets. 

Minister of State Martin Heydon and I have been able to resume in-person Ministerial trade missions over the last six months, with successful missions to the Middle East, US and Mexico. We have seen first hand that there is a strong demand for high quality, sustainably produced food in these markets, and Ireland is a supplier of choice in this regard.