Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004
94 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent of growth in the export market for lamb in each of the past five years; the new markets identified in that period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24832/04]
View answerLamb production has declined in recent years reflecting diminishing numbers in the national flock. As a consequence, the total volume available for export has reduced in direct proportion to the volume of domestic consumption. In addition, prices have remained firm and are now some 16% ahead of pre-FMD levels when export volumes were at their peak. Supplies have diverted from the export market to the home market where demand now accounts for more than a third of production.
France remains the primary export outlet for Irish lamb accounting for almost 70% of lamb exports, with significant quantities going to other EU countries, including Great Britain, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. I am satisfied that export opportunities for Irish lamb are being exploited to the full and my Department, in co-operation with Bord Bia and the industry, continues to consolidate and develop these markets to the maximum extent.
95 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the current EU market for Irish beef; the extent to which these markets have grown or otherwise in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24833/04]
View answer96 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number, location and value of beef exports to non-EU countries in each of the past five years; the extent to which new markets have been or will be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24834/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular form in the table below. The value of beef exports to all markets in 2003 was €1.2 billion.
The focus of the Irish beef industry has been to broaden and expand its market reach at EU retail level, shifting its orientation away from international commodity markets and into the higher value internal EU marketplace. It has also eliminated its dependence on support measures such as intervention. This contrasts sharply with the situation that prevailed throughout the 1990s when the industry exported 50% of its products into non-EU markets. Last year, this share dropped to just 17% while the EU share increased proportionately.
Non-EU markets continue to be important outlets for Irish beef and the maintenance of an appropriate export refund policy, which I keep under close review, is a key ingredient in the promotion of beef in third countries. I will continue to press hard for the re-opening of traditional third country markets and I was particularly pleased to announce the re-opening of the Algerian market last week.
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
|
Total |
554 |
495 |
345 |
445 |
500 |
|
Of which to: |
|||||
|
Int. Mkts |
309 |
250 |
50 |
90 |
85 |
|
— Russia |
33 |
7 |
43 |
83 |
75 |
|
— Egypt |
154 |
150 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
— Other |
122 |
93 |
5 |
7 |
9 |
|
Cont. EU |
150 |
135 |
72 |
110 |
150 |
|
— France |
50 |
40 |
13 |
16 |
24 |
|
— Italy |
32 |
30 |
11 |
22 |
35 |
|
— Holland |
32 |
30 |
26 |
30 |
32 |
|
— Scandinavia |
25 |
24 |
13 |
30 |
35 |
|
— Other |
11 |
11 |
9 |
12 |
24 |
|
United Kingdom |
95 |
110 |
220 |
245 |
265 |
