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]
Written Answers. - Poultry Industry.
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.
The AgriFood 2010 committee identified and stressed that the Irish poultry processing industry must seek economies through rationalisation and the development of quality differentiated products. Accordingly, under the implementation programme for the national development plan, financial aid will be made available, through Enterprise Ireland, for suitable projects that address the issues of rationalisation, processing efficiency, competitiveness, product development and meeting the requirements currently being supplied by imported product.
My Department will be encouraging the poultry processing industry to evaluate its future needs and to address these, taking into account the financial assistance available under the national plan. Best practice in terms of quality, safety and traceability of poultrymeat products will also be encouraged and highlighted in Bord Bia funded market promotion initiatives.