Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 February 2014
217. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made to date on joint agricultural development and agribusiness investments in Ethiopia and Ireland; the other opportunities being explored for agribusiness in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7257/14]
View answerI believe that Ireland's agri-food sector has a role to play in assisting Ethiopia and other African countries to reach their full potential in developing sustainable agriculture production. During the 3rd Africa Ireland Economic Forum, held in Dublin in October 2013, I met my counterpart from Ethiopia, Mr. Tefera Derbew, to discuss current developments in the agri-food sectors in Ireland and Ethiopia. At this meeting we signed a joint Statement of Intent which encourages enhanced cooperation between Ireland and Ethiopia in the areas of agriculture, in particular continued cooperation in the areas of Agricultural Research and Training.
In follow up to this at the end of October 2013 Teagasc signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research which provides for further close collaboration between the two bodies.
In addition in 2012 the Tanaiste and I launched the Africa Agri-food Development Fund (AADF). The Fund aims to develop partnerships between the Irish Agri-Food Sector and African countries to support sustainable growth of the local food industry, build markets for local produce and support mutual trade between Ireland and Africa.
One project currently under consideration for support from the Fund is a project in Ethiopia which aims to introduce two new Irish technologies, from start-up companies based in Nova UCD. These technologies are complementary and have the potential to create significant efficiencies in the use of inputs in Ethiopian and African agriculture. The project ultimately aims to develop manufacturing facilities and jobs in both Ireland and Ethiopia with a view to supplying products throughout Africa.
This is a clear example of how Irish technology and innovation can be used to develop sustainable agriculture in Africa and I will continue to encourage the Irish agri-food sector to explore the significant opportunities which exist in Africa.
