Bernard J. Durkan
Question:121 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the annual value of the poultry industry; the potential for expansion in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5232/02]
Vol. 548 No. 4
121 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the annual value of the poultry industry; the potential for expansion in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5232/02]
The annual value of the poultry industry for the year 2000 was estimated at €188 million, IR£148 million. In my view, there is considerable potential for the poultry industry to expand and develop in the future. The issues which arise in realising this potential include the capacity to withstand competition, scale of processing facilities and the need for more market-orientated and value added products. While demand for poultrymeat is expected to continue to grow, the industry is facing considerable competition from imported product in its attempts to maintain market share.