asked the Minister for Agriculture whether any research or experimental work has been carried out in this country on the processing of milk and meat into products suitable for export to tropical countries; and, if so, whether he will give details of such work, and the likely prospects for the development of an export trade in processed foods to tropical countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk and Meat Processing for Export.
13.
Some research and experimental work at factory level has been carried out from time to time in an effort to develop sales of milk products in tropical countries. As this work was not on a formal basis, it is not possible to furnish details. Investigations along similar lines are also being carried out by An Foras Talúntais.
An Bord Bainne and the Pigs and Bacon Commission are responsible for the development of markets abroad for dairy and pigmeat products, respectively. The prospects for these products in tropical countries have yet to be fully assessed, but the bodies mentioned and other exporters are alive to the need for exploiting any opportunities which offer for developing trade in these and other countries.