Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 May 2010
239 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his development programme for the pigmeat sector over the next five years; the degree to which this relates to progress over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22267/10]
View answerThe pig sector remains an important component of the Irish agricultural sector. With a farm gate value of some €300 million, and employment in the industry of approximately 7,000, the sector provides an important source of income to rural communities all over the country. Almost half of Irish production is exported with the UK accounting for 50% of exports with the remainder split between Continental Europe and third countries. In common with other meats, returns to producers have fallen as a result of the economic recession. Prices fell in 2009 and have continued to decline during the early part of this year. Irish price movements over recent years have mirrored those of the EU as a whole.
Pork remains the most-consumed meat worldwide and consumption is expected to increase steadily over the next decade. In order to best position the Irish industry to share in that growth, I am progressing a number of initiatives. A development strategy for the Irish pig industry has been prepared, which identifies the issues facing the sector and makes certain recommendations. Measures have been proposed to position the sector for a successful future and a ‘Pig Industry Strategy Steering Group', which includes representation from my Department and all sectors of the industry, has been established for the purpose of implementing the recommendations of this development strategy. I will continue to work with industry stakeholders to advance these recommendations.
On marketing and promotions, the domestic market remains the most important for Irish pigmeat, accounting for 50% of our production. Therefore, protecting and maintaining the market share of Quality Assured pigmeat in Irish retail is critical for the Irish industry. Bord Bia will continue to work with the industry and invest heavily in consumer promotions at retail and education programmes at food service level to promote Quality Assurance.
Following the dioxin incident in late 2008 a number of foreign markets were temporarily closed to Irish product. Thanks to the efforts of Bord Bia, our embassies and officials in my Department most markets were quickly reopened. I was pleased to announce last week, following meetings with my counterpart in China, that the Chinese market is now fully reopened to Irish pigmeat. This follows on from the resumption of trade with our other significant international market, Russia, earlier this year. There is considerable potential for trade with these markets, particularly China, and Bord Bia and Irish traders are already hard at work reconnecting with former customers and identifying new opportunities in this marketplace.
The ongoing marketing initiatives conducted by Bord Bia both at home and overseas are instrumental in supporting the pigmeat sector. Resources have been increased by Bord Bia, through the Marketing Fellowship Programme, in the market development of more customers for Irish pig meat within the EU. By targeting the end users and further manufacturers directly, we can shorten the supply chain and return greater value to exports. We currently export to over 20 non-EU markets and it is my policy and that of the Government to ensure that Irish producers have access to markets worldwide. My Department will continue to work with Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs with a view to gaining access to potential markets identified by the industry.
In relation to future policy the Deputy will be aware that earlier this year, I established the 2020 Committee, comprising senior and respected figures from a range of stakeholders in the agri-food sectors. The group's remit is to make recommendations for a strategy for the agri-food sector, including the pigmeat sector, for the coming decade. This process is well advanced and I expect its output to help to set a clear way forward for the pigmeat and other sectors.
