Written Answers Nos. 891-909
891. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his expectations in terms of the future development of the dairy sector post-quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47929/12]
View answerIreland strongly supported the abolition of milk quotas from 2015 as they were widely regarded by both the Irish dairy sector and market analysts as a brake on the potential of the sector to respond positively to opportunities in the market. I expect that the Irish dairy sector will fully exploit this potential following the abolition of milk quotas on 1 April 2015.
In the medium term, this means achieving the target of a 50 per cent increase in milk production by 2020, as set out by industry stakeholders in the Food Harvest 2020 report. While this target is ambitious, it is one I believe that it can be achieved through a focused and determined implementation of the report’s recommendations for the dairy sector.
At farm level this will require improvements in on-farm competitiveness through, for example, animal health and genetic improvement programmes, as well as increased efficiency through education and technology transfer. My Department is playing its part in this regard through its continued support for ICBF and Animal Health Ireland, and through the Dairy Efficiency Programme which has provided a financial stimulus for participants in dairy discussion groups.
A processing sector with optimal capacity and maximum efficiency is also required, and in this regard, the capital investment plans of a number of the major players are already well advanced. There also needs to be a continued focus on commercially relevant R&D and marketing activities, and these aspects are being advanced through the activities of Teagasc and Bord Bia, in collaboration with the sector, with critical financial support from my Department.
In this regard plans for the development of a dairy sustainability and quality programme to exploit the already strong quality and sustainability credentials of the Irish dairy sector are well advanced. Bord Bia’s Origin Green Programme, which will involve industry players in signing up to achieving concrete sustainability targets will further develop the image of Ireland as a source of high quality food, including dairy produce.
With more than three quarters of Irish dairy production exported and with growth in global populations forecast to stimulate strong levels of demand for dairy products, I am working with the industry to raise the profile of both the Irish dairy sector, and the Irish agri-food sector generally in countries such as the US, in emerging markets in the Far East and North Africa and elsewhere.
There will of course be challenges, and increased input cost and price volatility will mean that operators at farm and processing level will have optimise their cost base, and develop mechanisms to protect income, perhaps through medium or long term supply contracts, or through other hedging mechanisms. The industry in Ireland has a history or resilience and innovation and I am confident that it is well placed to meet these challenges.
Bearing all of this in mind, I expect that the prospects and opportunities for the Irish dairy sector will expand significantly in the years following the abolition of milk quotas.
892. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his future expectations for the development of the beef industry with particular reference to maintaining Ireland’s share of the international market and retaining a competitive edge; if he anticipates new market prospects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47930/12]
View answerI am confident that the beef sector has a positive future, based on expanding global demand, and that the ambitious targets which it set for itself in Food Harvest 2020 can be met.
Notwithstanding the ongoing consolidation of the public finances, my Department and the agencies under its remit continue to provide an array of financial and infrastructural supports to underpin production and employment in the beef sector. Apart from the promotional work of Bord Bia, these include initiatives such as the Beef Technology Adoption Programme, the retention of the suckler cow scheme in 2012 and the advisory work of Teagasc especially in connection with the expanded BETTER beef farm programme. I also chair the high level implementation group set up to monitor progress on the 2020 strategy and take appropriate action to assist the agri-food sector to deliver the growth in output value envisaged for the various commodities including beef.
While the great majority of our beef exports are destined for other EU member states, it is always beneficial to have a wide range of 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 outlets 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 the 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.
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. Improved product offerings backed by appropriate marketing are the best route to greater market returns and increased viability across the supply chain for all stakeholders – particularly producers.
In addition, the leading Irish beef processing companies have also embraced the concept of sustainability under Origin Green. This is a comprehensive national sustainability development programme, the first of its kind in the world, designed by Bord Bia to assist Ireland become known as the optimum source of sustainably produced food and drink. Industry recruitment commenced in June 2012 and to date 79 companies, accounting for over 50% of Irish food and drink exports, have signed up to the programme. Central to the Origin Green concept is a sustainability charter that will commit Ireland’s agri-food industry, including beef processors, to engage directly and robustly with the challenges of sustainable production: reducing energy inputs, minimizing their overall carbon footprint and lessening their impact on the environment.
894. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to monitor the development and future growth prospects of the lamb industry; the areas in respect of which he anticipates particular or specific opportunities to arise while controlling costs insofar as is possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47932/12]
View answerI am committed to supporting the sheep industry, which makes a valuable contribution to the overall agri-food sector. In this regard I very much welcome the fact that the declining trend in numbers in our national flock has been reversed and that our sheep numbers are now increasing. This reflects a growing sense of confidence amongst our sheep farmers in terms of rebuilding breeding stock numbers which will ultimately lead to an increase in through-put. So far this year through-put has increased by over 182,000 compared to last year. However I am aware that market conditions for Irish sheepmeat, particularly for light lambs, are proving more difficult than in 2012 mainly because of the recession in Spain and Portugal. As with other agricultural sectors the market performance of the sheep sector, is a function of supply and demand. The long-term future of the sector will depend on its ability to satisfy the market and in order to do this well it must focus on competitiveness, innovation and the demands of the consumer.
The Food Harvest 2020 strategy includes specific recommendations for the sheep sector. It envisages that over the coming years, demand for sheepmeat on the European market will outstrip production levels, which could provide opportunities for exporting countries such as Ireland. This should provide the potential for better returns, provided the industry can continue the market and product diversification which has been evident in recent years. At producer level there is likely to be improved price prospects, provided an increased focus on production, efficiency and product quality is evident. Based on a renewed commercial focus by the sheep sector, building consumption on the domestic market and through the implementation of the recommendations of Food Harvest 2020, the industry has targeted a growth in output value of 20% by 2020.
The recommendations of the report focus on farm competitiveness and the processing sector. On the farm side, they emphasise the importance of continuing to apply on-farm efficiencies and new technologies, breed improvement and the production of a quality product. On the processing side, the focus is on efficiencies, innovation and improved product range.
There has been significant public investment in the sheep sector in recent years. Key supports included €7 million from the 2009 single farm payment national reserve under the uplands sheep payment scheme and €54 million for the three-year grassland sheep scheme which commenced in 2010. The sheep fencing/mobile handling equipment scheme, one of five targeted agricultural modernisation schemes, TAMS, which was re-opened to applications last December, will enable many farmers in the sheep sector to complete the necessary investment works in order to maintain competitiveness and introduce increased efficiencies on their farm and so secure the future of their enterprises. Teagasc has also allocated almost €1.5 million for sheep research for 2012. In addition, Bord Bia will also spend over €1.1 million this year on a promotional strategy for the Irish sheep sector which addresses the issue of safeguarding the future of the sector in the following ways:
- By encouraging Irish consumers to buy more Quality Assured lamb.
- By collaborating with its French and English counterparts in a campaign to reverse the decline in consumption of lamb on the French market, which accounts for over 50% of our exports.
- By working with individual exporter to increase the amount of exports to higher value markets such as Germany and Scandinavia and thereby reduce Ireland’s dependency on the French market.
All of the supports I have outlined have provided a significant incentive to farmers to maintain their production levels, which is vital for the future of a viable sheep industry in Ireland.
On a positive note, sheepmeat exports to international markets almost doubled to 600 tonnes during the course of 2011. This generates a great confidence boost for Irish exporters. While almost 99% of our lamb exports are to the EU, it is always beneficial to have a wide range of outlets available and to this end my Department, together with Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to work to secure access to more third country outlets for Irish lamb. I announced the opening of the Singaporean and South African markets to Irish lamb over the summer. There is strong demand for all meats globally at present and my Department and I remain committed in our efforts to ensure that the Irish sheep sector is able to take full advantage of all of the opportunities that will arise as a result of this demand.
895. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he has quantified the impact of inclement weather conditions on the agri-food producing sector; if he envisages any particular intervention directly or through the aegis of the EU which might be beneficial to the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47933/12]
View answer896. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he has studied the impact of poor weather conditions on the agri-food sector; if any particular intervention seems possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47934/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 895 and 896 together.
This year has indeed been a very difficult one for the farming sector as a result of inclement weather. The very wet weather during the summer months resulted in reduced grass growth and a reduction in yield and quality across a variety of crops including cereals, potatoes and vegetables. In many cases, housing of stock has taken place during the summer with the feeding of forage earmarked for the winter period. There was also a significant reduction in the volume of winter feed saved on many farms with farmers also increasing the feeding of additional concentrates.
With regard to the cereal sector, yield and quality of crops and wheat in particular were significantly reduced compared to previous years. Prices remained strong throughout the harvest period, however, helping to offset some of the potential losses to growers.
Poor ground conditions in late September and on into October has also hindered autumn sowing. There will still be an opportunity next spring to make up some of this shortfall through increased sowings of spring wheat and spring barley if weather is good and grower sentiment remains positive. Supplies of winter wheat seed are well below average because the quality of the seed crop was seriously affected. My Department succeeded in obtaining a derogation from the EU Commission to allow seed of a lower germination capacity to be planted. This derogation together with the lower planting levels has alleviated problems with seed supplies this autumn.
Unfortunately the EU Commission does not provide funding to compensate for losses that arise due to the adverse weather conditions experienced this summer and due to the financial crisis the Irish Exchequer is not in a position to assist either. The European Union Solidarity Fund is aimed primarily at providing funding to member states in the event of a natural disaster.
In order to ease the financial pressures on farmers as a result of the bad weather, I sought and received EU approval for the advance payment of the 2012 single payment scheme. A total of €538 million issued last month under the single farm payment to almost 88% of all applicants, when taken with the €173 million which has issued since 26 September 2012 in respect of the 2012 disadvantaged areas scheme, represents a significant financial boost for both the individual farmers who will receive these payments and also the wider rural economy. My aim continues to be to maximise payments to farmers at the earliest possible date, subject to the necessary requirements of the schemes being met.
In addition, following contact with my colleague Deputy Phil Hogan, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, an extension was granted to spread chemical and organic fertilisers to 30 September and 31 October 2012 respectively. This was aimed at alleviating some of the difficulties arising from housing of livestock over the summer and to allow extended autumn grazing of grass and a positive impact on the fodder shortage.
While the extended period eased the overall situation regarding the management of slurry, difficulties still persisted for farms located on heavier soils, due to animals being housed earlier and for long periods. In response to this, Minister Hogan announced on 26 October 2012 a number of further measures to alleviate the difficulties experienced by farmers. These can be summarised as follows:
- The closed period was brought forward to allow spreading from 1 January 2013 in Zones A and B and from 15 January 2013 in Zone C.
- The spreading of livestock manures produced on farms is now permitted as an exceptional measure during the period 1 November to 16 November inclusive subject to a number of conditions being met.
Minister Hogan also announced an exemption, subject to certain conditions, from establishing green cover for a limited number of tillage farmers who had either ploughed or sprayed with a non selective herbicide and, due to the bad weather, were not able to sow a crop that they had planned to do.
897. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the markets currently showing great potential for growth at EU or worldwide level for Irish dairy products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47935/12]
View answerIrish exports in the agrifood sector have performed strongly in recent years, and I believe that it is well positioned to take advantage of future increases in demand arising from increasing global population. The Food Harvest 2020 report sets out the strategic vision for the agri-food and fishing sector. From a dairying perspective, the ending of milk quotas in 2015 represents an exceptional opportunity to increase milk output, and Food Harvest 2020 has targeted a 50% increase in milk production in the period to 2020. This target is ambitious but I also believe it is realistic, because the dairy sector has the capability to expand at producer and at processor level.
In that context, the dairy expansion activation group established to identify specific actions needed to deliver on the Food Harvest 2020 targets, has produced a road map setting out 55 actions required to achieve the 50% increase in milk production. Key areas for action include the identification of markets, the improvement of efficiency at processing level and improving production efficiency at farm level. While many of these actions will be taken at commercial level, my Department and its agencies are working with industry to provide a framework to support the necessary development, and I am personally chairing the high level implementation committee, in order to monitor progress and take appropriate action to support the successful implementation of Food Harvest 2020.
Ireland has access to markets worldwide for dairy products and exports some 85% of our dairy production to over eighty countries, with more than two thirds of that going to the EU. It is clear that markets will have to be found for the increased production envisaged in Food Harvest 2020. I have been very active in developing relationships in new and expanding markets in order to build the kind of confidence in Irish production and control systems that provide a platform for long-term trading relationships in the future. As part of that effort I have headed trade missions to China, the US and Algeria to further develop these important relationships. In China I met my ministerial counterparts in the Agriculture and Quarantine Ministries to help raise the profile of the Irish agri-food industry, including the dairy sector. I will continue to work with industry to raise the profile of the Irish dairy sector, and the Irish agrifood sector generally, in emerging markets in the Far East, North Africa and elsewhere.
898. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of jobs generated by the fishing industry here at all levels; the extent to which this might be increased or expanded in the forthcoming year in view of the on-going economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47936/12]
View answerBoth Food Harvest 2020 and Action Plan for Jobs 2012 recognise that most of the potential for increased employment in the seafood sector is in the areas of processing and aquaculture. Food Harvest 2020 aims to increase employment in the seafood sector as a whole, from the present approximately 11,000 to 14,000 by 2020.
I am advised by Bord Iascaigh Mhara that some 2,870 people are presently employed in the seafood processing industry. Arising specifically from an investment of €15.5 million by 21 seafood processing companies in 2012, with €3.2 million in financial assistance under the seafood processing scheme operated by BIM, 142 additional jobs and increased sales of value added seafood products of nearly €44 million are expected to be created by 2015. That is a significant level of investment by any standards, and together with previous investment of €7 million by 21 companies in 2011 and €2.7 by eight companies in 2010, with the support of the seafood processing scheme, is setting a clear path to achievement of the potential of the seafood sector to create sustainable employment in peripheral coastal communities.
In relation to aquaculture, it is intended to radically expand the production of Irish organic farmed salmon by creating new fish farming production areas in deeper waters. The placement of farms in deep waters will ensure that there is no impact on Natura 2000 sites. BIM estimates that just one of these production areas could generate over 100 Million Euro in exports p.a. and create 350 direct jobs. A further 150 jobs will be created indirectly in the service sector, supplying fish feed, netting, transportation and other services.
BIM, working with the Marine Institute, is currently investigating suitable sites. An application for an aquaculture licence in respect of one of these sites in Galway Bay has been submitted to the Department by BIM. This application is currently being assessed in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act.
899. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of breaches of food-labelling in respect of traceability and other standard that have been identified in each of the past four years to date; the action, if any, taken thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47937/12]
View answerThe Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI, under the aegis the Minister for Health has overall responsibility for the enforcement of food safety in Ireland. This includes the enforcement of food labelling regulations. It carries out this remit through service contracts with my Department and other agencies including the Health Service Executive, HSE, Local Authorities, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, SFPA, and National Standards Authority of Ireland, NSAI.
The FSAI has advised my Department that the number of inspections where non compliance with labelling legislation were found are as follows:
|
2008 |
3,437 (13.19%) |
|
2009 |
11,231 (16.33%) |
|
2010 |
9,919 (14.04%) |
|
2011 |
9,499 (15.98%) |
The majority of these were minor and remedial action was taken. During that period there were eight prosecutions which included breaches in labelling legislation.
900. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an area aid appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47939/12]
View answerWhile the person named applied for derogation under the 2012 disadvantaged areas scheme, the application was unsuccessful. The applicant was notified of this decision in writing and advised of the right of appeal to the recently established independent DAS appeals committee.
901. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) in County Cork has yet to receive his disadvantaged area payment for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47945/12]
View answerAn application under the single payment scheme/disadvantaged areas scheme was received from the person named on 10 May 2012. In order to comply with EU requirements, the application was one of a number which was selected for inspection and therefore payment could not be made pending the outcome of this process.
The inspection has been completed and the application is now being processed with a view to issuing any payment due as soon as possible.
902. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be paid their disadvantaged and single farm payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47970/12]
View answerProcessing of the application of the person named has recently been completed and therefore payments under the 2012 single payment and disadvantaged areas scheme will shortly issue to the nominated bank account of the person named.
903. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to amend the law to prohibit the live export of animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47971/12]
View answerThe export of animals is regulated at EU level. As regards animal welfare, the EU has had rules governing animal welfare during transport since 1977 while the EU rules on animal health are in place since the 1960’s. These rules aim to eliminate technical barriers to trade in live animals and to allow market organisations to operate smoothly, while ensuring a satisfactory level of welfare protection for the animals concerned and a satisfactory level of control in relation to the health risks associated with the movement of animals.
904. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the up to date position regarding free access to Coillte lands and parkways and adjacent carparks; if access adjacent to carparks is standardised in relation to barriers and costs; if there are plans to make car parking at all sites free to the public in view of the upcoming Gathering 2013 events such as an event (details supplied) in Cuonty Monahgan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47974/12]
View answerCoillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as those mentioned by the Deputy, are the responsibility of the company.
The matter has, however, been raised with Coillte who advise that, in line with their recreation policy, the public are welcome to access all areas on foot and designated forests and trails for cycling, free of charge. Organised events and other activities are facilitated by a permit system available to the public online. There are nominal fees charged for most permits with commercial activities paying a higher tariff.
The company further advise that it also manages 11 forest parks and collect a fee for access by vehicle to the car-parks at 9 of these forest parks. This fee is used to maintain substantial recreational infrastructure at these parks including trails, toilets, playground equipment, mapboards and picnic and barbecue areas. Every forest park traditionally charged a fee for access by car at peak times during summer and bank holidays and fee collection is now facilitated by access barriers. Coillte do not charge a car-parking fee at any of its other 150 car-parking and recreation sites across the country. In relation to events held at the forest parks, volunteer, scouting and school groups are facilitated by waiving any permit fees for their activities. Where a car-parking fee is payable for vehicle access, groups are encouraged to car-pool and use group transport for larger events.
Coillte has advised that it is participating in, and indeed organising, events for The Gathering 2013 and will facilitate many other groups organising events on its lands for this initiative. For suitable events for the forest parks where a car-parking fee is normally charged, car-parking charges may be waived.
In relation to the event mentioned, I have been advised by Coillte that this is a matter for local and district management to decide as to whether it meets the criteria for the waiver of the charges.
905. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the balance of payments due to beet contractors from the beet fund allocation in his Department will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47996/12]
View answerAs part of the reform of the EU sugar regime in 2006, a temporary restructuring scheme was introduced with the aim of reducing EU sugar production in order to comply with WTO and other international obligations. The scheme provided an incentive for sugar processors to renounce sugar quota and dismantle the associated sugar processing plant and it provided compensation for affected stakeholders. Greencore, the sole Irish sugar processor and holder of the Irish sugar quota, decided to avail of this scheme and accordingly the company renounced the quota and dismantled the last remaining sugar factory at Mallow in compliance with the conditions of the scheme. This was a commercial decision taken by the Company having regard to the deteriorating market situation.
The total compensation package negotiated in November 2005 in the context of the reform of the EU sugar regime, as modified in 2007, was worth €353 million to Ireland, made up of €200 million to beet growers, €6 million to machinery contractors and €127 million to Greencore plc. The beet growers’ share was made up of restructuring aid of €53 million, diversification aid of €44 million and €123 million via the single farm payment. All elements of the restructuring scheme have now been implemented, not just within Ireland but across the EU.
906. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding disadvantaged payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo. [48035/12]
View answerProcessing of the application concerned has recently been completed and payments under the Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will shortly issue to the nominated bank account of the person named.
907. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he has brought in a regulation that a person purchasing lamb for export has to hold them for twenty one days before exporting them; if his attention has been drawn to concerns that this will delay sales of lamb that are now being purchased for Ramadan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48070/12]
View answerTrade in sheep is governed by Council Directive 91/68/EEC, as amended, on animal health conditions governing intra-Community trade in ovine and caprine animals. This legislation requires inter alia that Member States ensure that ovine animals for slaughter are not dispatched to another Member State unless such animals have been continuously resident on the holding of origin for at least 21 days.
908. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 200 of 25 October 2012, when a decision on the disadvantaged area scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48095/12]
View answerWhile the person named applied for derogation under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas scheme, the application was unsuccessful. The applicant was notified of this decision in writing and advised of the right of appeal to the recently established independent DAS Appeals Committee. The applicant has availed of this right of appeal and, accordingly, the case will now be considered by the DAS Appeals Committee.
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.
