Bernard J. Durkan
Question:52 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to expand the export markets for Irish dairy produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9238/04]
View answerWednesday, 24 March 2004
Questions (52)
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Ireland exports a wide range of dairy products to more than 100 countries worldwide. The main products exported include cheese, butter, casein, milk powders, and baby food. More than 85% of all dairy exports from Ireland are destined for other EU member states, making it a very important market for Irish dairy products. The value of this market is likely to grow even further with the improved market access provided by the enlargement of the EU on 1 May 2004. Ireland also exports a considerable volume of dairy product to countries outside the EU and this is likely to continue in the years ahead.
It is clear that the Irish dairy industry is highly dependent on exports and I recognise the need to increase and expand our presence in export markets. While my Department and Bord Bia will continue to assist the industry in anyway possible, the identification and exploitation of export opportunities for dairy products, in both commodity form and in the form of increasingly sophisticated ingredient and value-added products, is essentially a matter for the industry. The number of countries to which Ireland exports dairy products is testament to the success of the industry in the past and I am confident that this success will continue into the future.