The EU China Cooperation Plan in Agriculture and Rural Development, which I understand is the one which the Deputy refers to, was reached between Commissioner Ciolos and Minister Han Changfu in June 2012, and sets out the grounds and principles for agriculture cooperation between the EU and China in relation to Rural Development, Agriculture Research and Innovation and Agricultural Quality Policy.
This agreement facilitates mutually beneficial cooperation between the EU and China in agriculture and rural development. It is important that we work together to share expertise and to develop cooperation in agriculture research and innovation in particular to address climate change issues that affect agriculture, in addition to water conservation, food security and food safety. The EU has much experience in the areas of rural development, the maintenance of rural populations and the development of food safety systems that can be shared with China. Equally the EU can benefit from the sharing of expertise on the Chinese side in relation to drought resistance and other areas. Indeed my Department hosted the field trip for the combined EU Chinese delegation which took place in December 2012 as part of the annual dialogue that takes place between DG Agri and the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture.
I welcomed the Framework Agreement during the Agriculture Council meeting on 16 July 2012, as I see great potential in terms of trade and cooperation with China. I had already signed an Action Plan in May 2011 with the Chinese Vice Minister of Agriculture and subsequently had led a trade mission to China in April 2012 which culminated in a series of agreements focused on facilitating trade between Ireland and China in the agri- food, seafood and agri- services sectors and also linkages between our research institutes.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that exports of Irish agri- food and related exports to China have grown in value from €167m in 2010 to €323m in 2012, an increase of 93%, with dairy products increasing from €103m in 2010 to €182m in 2012, an increase of 77%. Pigmeat exports increased from €8m in 2010 to €44m in 2012, and increase of 450% while our seafood exports have also grown from €5.7m in 2010 to €10m in 2012, a 75% increase. Exports of hides and skins are valued at €40m in 2012.
Both the Marine Institute and Teagasc have also developed Memoranda of Understanding with their counterparts in China, focused on developing research between both our countries.
My Department will continue to monitor the implementation of the EU China Framework agreement and opportunities that may arise for Ireland, in addition to the development of trade and cooperation between Ireland and China.
