Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2013
593. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline his expectations for the development of the beef industry in the coming three years with particular reference to maintaining Ireland's share of the international market and retaining a competitive edge; if he anticipates new market prospects in this time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7369/13]
View answerThe preponderance of Irish beef exports are destined for the UK along with France, Italy and the Netherlands. Among the key drivers of future beef export performance in these markets will be the general macro-economic environment, the EU demand/supply balance and exchange rate developments, particularly with regard to the euro vis-à-vis sterling.
The immediate outlook for Irish beef output is that it is forecast to rise by 10% in 2013 as reduced live exports over recent years boost volumes. Global beef supplies are likely to remain stable and, as a result, EU imports are unlikely to increase significantly in 2013. The challenge will be to maintain price levels but continuing tight availability of beef across Europe should help exporters. Concomitant with this broadly positive outlook is a continuing improvement in the positioning of Irish beef exports in key markets with over 60% of export volumes now destined for the higher value standard retail, premium food service, and retail or quick service sectors.
Exploiting the strong sustainability credentials of the grass-fed beef will be a key element in maintaining and expanding markets for the Irish beef industry up to 2015. 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. This important initiative will give Irish beef exports a genuine competitive advantage in securing premium product status in fiercely competitive foreign markets. Innovative product offerings supported by appropriate marketing are the best means of increasing market returns and viability across the supply chain.
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 to become known as the optimum source of sustainably produced food and drink. Industry recruitment commenced in June 2012 and to date a total of 188 companies 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.
Notwithstanding the fact that most Irish beef exports go to other EU member states, it is always beneficial to have a wide range of market outlets available for our beef products. My Department will be working – 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 over the next three years. At present, Irish beef enjoys access to markets in Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Russia, Hong Kong and Singapore.
I have been assiduous in nurturing relationships in new and growing markets in order to build confidence in Irish production and control systems which will underpin long-term trading relationships in the future. As part of that effort, I headed trade missions last year to China and the USA, during which I raised the subject of access for Irish beef with my ministerial counterparts. Apart from China and the US, other targeted markets for Irish beef access include Japan and Korea as well as North African and Middle Eastern countries. My Department is engaging closely with the authorities in those countries to gain access for Irish 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 will be able to fully exploit market opportunities as they arise over the coming years.
