Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014
445. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the targets set in the Food Harvest 2020 strategy for the pigmeat sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27376/14]
View answerIn the Food Harvest 2020 Strategy the target for the pig sector is to increase output value by 50% over the baseline period 2007-09. The attainment of this target is underpinned by a number of policies and initiatives; notable amongst these was the establishment of the Teagasc/IFA pig Joint Programme in May 2013. Funded by a levy on each pig slaughtered and/or exported, this has enabled Teagasc to employ four additional advisors and researchers to support producers and the sector through advice, research and education across a range of issues of importance to the sector. Almost €230,000 was collected during 2013 and over 300 commercial pig producers will benefit from this initiative.
The value of pig output has increased by 41% over the baseline average since the launch of Food Harvest 2020. Output value in 2013 amounted to €436 million, compared to the overall Food Harvest target of €464m by 2020. This compares with the baseline average of €309 million and therefore represents a considerable increase in the performance of the sector. Based on the above, the value of pig output is more than four-fifths of the way to its 2020 target. The associated volume data shows an increase of 20% during the same time.
With regard to exports, the 2020 target has already been exceeded. The 2013 outturn of some €485 million compares to an absolute target of €467 million, that being 40% above the baseline. Fresh or chilled pigmeat and frozen pigmeat have grown by a total of €123m against the baseline. There is an associated volume increase of 57% (47k tonnes), while the volume of edible pig offal, fresh or chilled has increased by 216% (10k tonnes).
The pig sector is one to which I attach great importance particularly as it is an industry which supports approximately 7,000 jobs including production, slaughter, processing, feed manufacture and services. The sector accounts for 5% of the total agri-food sector and is the 3rd largest individual component. I am pleased to note in particular that prices paid to farmers in the pig sector are currently at a three-year high. I will continue to work with the sector at all levels to ensure that implementation of the Food Harvest strategy continues and delivers viable returns for all links in the supply chain.
