Bernard J. Durkan
Question:68 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to open new export markets for Irish produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14189/02]
Written Answers. - Export Markets.
The development of new export markets for Irish food produce is primarily the responsibility of the food industry itself. My Department, in co-operation with the statutory food promotion agency, An Bord Bia, will continue to assist the industry to establish new export markets for Irish food produce in both EU and international markets and to consolidate its presence in existing markets. Under the national development plan the Government has provided funding of €61 million to enhance the competitiveness and innovative capabilities of the food industry. This funding will be administered by An Bord Bia and will be used to improve the market orientation of the Irish food industry in an increasingly challenging environment.
Operating under the umbrella brand, Ireland the Food Island, An Bord Bia implements a range of activities and programmes specifically tailored to increase awareness of Ireland as a producer of quality food. At export level it works closely with producers, processors and customers in target markets. For example, in the dynamic prepared consumer food sector An Bord Bia has targeted the retail and food service sector in continental Europe as an import strategic objective. In the sheepmeat sector, the focus is directed at the continued development of Irish lamb identification in the French market. An Bord Bia continues to develop trade in the Asia Pacific market. In the past year An Bord Bia has increased its commitment to the region, reflecting its growing importance as a market for food and drink exports. In March An Bord Bia undertook a mar keting campaign to coincide with the visit ofLE Niamh to a number of ports in the region.
The Irish meat industry continues to export to a wide arrange of markets worldwide. An Bord Bia has developed a common identity mark for Irish beef which has been rolled out in Britain and is currently being tested for other markets. In Italy and the Netherlands they have invested significant resources in direct consumer promotions to promote consumption of Irish beef. Last year a major initiative was the organisation of the European Meat Forum to relaunch Irish beef on the European market. Over 160 European buyers and 18 trade journalists attended from ten countries.
With regard to third countries, intense diplomatic, political and technical efforts are being undertaken to ensure market access for Irish food products. The Russian market for Irish beef, which was closed following the foot and mouth disease crisis, was reopened in 2001. Following intensive efforts, the Egyptian market was reopened to Irish beef imports last October. Particular attention is also being focused on the Gulf region, which is a significant market for Irish beef. The Japanese market for pigmeat, closed to Ireland, following the foot and mouth disease outbreak is also very important and following intensive efforts is now set to reopen.
The success of these marketing and promotion activities is self-evident as the Irish food industry has achieved significant results in recent years. Since 1995 the value of output for the Irish food and drink industry has increased by 15% or almost €1.9 billion to reach €13 billion. Food and drink exports represent 27% of net Irish exports, while 50% of exports from indigenous Irish companies are food and drink products.