Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012
909. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to enhance and develop the beef industry in lieu of the attractiveness of dairy farming; the steps he is taking to preserve and protect the beef market here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48098/12]
View answerThere is a symbiotic relationship between primary production in the beef and dairy sectors. The removal of milk quotas will lead to increased production from the dairy herd post 2015. Maximising the value of increased beef from the dairy herd following the abolition of quotas presents an opportunity for the industry that can be of considerable benefit to both producers and processors. Current initiatives involving both Teagasc and the industry have an important role to play in this regard.
Nonetheless, specialist beef producers will continue to provide the vital raw material for high-quality Irish beef and my Department and the agencies under its remit have continued to provide an array of financial and infrastructural supports to underpin production in this sector. These include initiatives such as the Beef Technology Adoption Programme, which is designed to equip beef farmers with the knowledge to improve efficiency at farm level and the advisory work of Teagasc, especially in connection with an expanded BETTER Beef Farm Programme, which provides a best practice model for suckler farmers. Other supports include the retention of the Suckler Cow Scheme in 2012 and the provision of funding to support the work of ICBF in improving genetic quality in the beef herd.
These measures are underpinned by the efforts of Bord Bia to promote and market Irish beef on EU and international markets. Exploiting the strong sustainability credentials of the grass-fed Irish beef sector will be a key element in the strategy to develop international markets for Irish beef. In this context, the 32,000 members of the Bord Bia Beef Quality Assurance (QA) Scheme are committed to actively measuring and reducing their carbon emissions. This is the only QA programme in the world that has an environmental element operating on a national basis. It is my belief that this important development will give Irish beef exports a genuine competitive advantage in securing premium product status in fiercely competitive foreign markets. To remain competitive in the marketplace, especially in the markets of the major retailers, it is essential that we can continue to substantiate claims of high-quality, sustainable production.
Bord Bia has made considerable progress in developing a Brand Ireland concept, supported by its Origin Green initiative. This ongoing voluntary programme will enable Irish food business operators, including those in the beef sector, to sign up to measurable sustainability targets in a range of areas in a manner which supports the already strong green image of the Irish agri-food sector in the marketplace.
Ireland exports around 93% of its beef production with the vast bulk of it destined for other EU member states. Nevertheless, it is always beneficial to have a wide range of alternative market outlets available for our high-quality beef products and my Department is working actively – in collaboration with the industry, Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – to secure access to more third country markets for Irish beef. As a result of these efforts, Ireland has reached agreements over recent years with the authorities in Israel, Tunisia, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt and Singapore which allow for the export of Irish beef.
I have also been assiduous in developing links and nurturing relationships in new and expanding markets in order to build confidence in Irish production and control systems which will provide a platform for long-term trading relationships in the future. As part of that effort, I headed trade missions earlier this year to China and the USA, during which I raised the subject of access for Irish beef with my ministerial counterparts. The Deputy will be aware that the issue of access for Irish beef to both of these markets are priorities for me.
Other targeted markets for Irish beef access include Japan, Korea and those in North African and Middle East regions. My Department is engaging actively with the authorities in these countries in order to secure access for beef products. There is a strong demand for beef globally and my Department remains focused, in consultation with the industry, on ensuring that Irish exporters are able to fully exploit the opportunities that flow from favourable market conditions.
On the back of strong beef prices, the income of Irish cattle farms increased by 48% in 2011. Despite the considerable improvement in income, there are still large numbers of small, low-income cattle farms that continue to be highly dependent on direct payments. In the course of the forthcoming Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) negotiations, I am determined to secure the best possible outcome for Irish farmers, including beef farmers. A number of options will be available in relation to farm support measures under the revised CAP and I will ensure that livestock farmers will continue to benefit from these income supports in the future.
