Written Answers Nos. 254-271
254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which losses incurred by producers involved in rearing bull beef has served a means of making future provision to ensure such losses are not repeated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35765/14]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, difficulties relating to the production of young bull beef in Ireland became prominent towards the end of 2013 and the early months of 2014. Bull beef is not a traditional system in Ireland; our grass fed steer and heifer production systems suit our climate and land availability. Producing quality young bull beef that meets specification requirements for meat factories requires intensive periods of meal feeding and finishing within a short timeframe, thus adding input costs to the producer. Feedback received by Bord Bia from customers in various Continental markets consistently indicates that they highly value prime steer beef coming from grass-based production systems. Young bull beef is seen as more of a commodity and tends to sell for a lower price. There will continue to be niches, in markets like Italy, where there is demand for a certain amount of young bull beef. However, Irish beef producers should be mindful that this is a specialised market for a restricted carcase specification and that it has become more price competitive in recent years.
It is likely that more farmers will revert to traditional steer beef finishing because Irish steers are a unique selling point for our beef industry that enables us to achieve premium prices for that product. In the domestic cattle market, the relationship between processors and producers is a highly interdependent one. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of both sides working together to manage the type and volume of cattle being brought to market so that the supply chain does not undermine the viability of beef production systems for either winter finishers or suckler farmers. I note that Michael Dowling, in his recent report to the Beef Roundtable, suggested a greater role for contracts in the production of young bulls; this requires further exploration on both sides. It is essential that any farmer considering a move to produce bull beef has a clear signal and understanding from his processor that a market exists for this product.
Current market conditions clearly highlight the need for industry operators to improve communication on market trends and signals throughout the supply chain. As the Deputy is aware, I established a Beef Roundtable earlier this year to facilitate such discussions. One such outcome arising from this Roundtable involves better and more timely communication between processors and producers aimed at transmitting early and clearer market signals which bring about more strategically planned sectoral responses. I would encourage the various stakeholders to continue their efforts in that regard.
255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which levels of beef consumption have altered throughout the various markets for Irish beef in the course of the past 12 months; the measures taken or likely to be taken to address the consequent losses to producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35766/14]
View answerIreland is the fifth largest net exporter of beef in the world and we export 90% of the beef produced here. Most of our exports go to high value EU markets and Irish beef is now listed with more than 75 high-end retail chains across the EU. As with our competitors, Irish beef is susceptible to changes in consumption levels across Europe, and especially in the UK as our biggest export market. Beef consumption has dropped by over 5% in Europe since 2010, with an inevitable impact on the beef supply chain in Ireland. Much of this change is due to increasing price competition from other protein meats particularly poultry. At the same time the Government’s response to this shift, together with initiatives by producer and processors, has seen beef exports grow to just under €2.1 billion last year, reflecting a 5% rise in output and a 4% increase in average prices. This growth is a result of concerted action by Government, Industry and producers to develop our product offering.
I have personally led trade missions to China, the US, Algeria and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the Middle East to expand the range of markets for Irish beef. There have been noteworthy successes in securing market access from authorities in Japan, Singapore, Egypt and Iran. This year to date we have agreed access terms with the Lebanon, Philippines and Namibia. We are finalising technical arrangements with the US authorities which should see exports of Irish beef to the US commence shortly. I am also optimistic of making further progress with beef market access to China in the coming months.
Bord Bia is also continuing its investment in market development and promotion, including through an additional €0.5 million which I announced as part of the Beef Roundtable discussions. This €0.5m allocation is in addition to the €9m budget spend per year by Bord Bia on marketing of Irish beef internationally. Bord Bia’s strategy for Irish beef is built around differentiation and premiumisation, and focusing on the key attributes of Irish beef: environmentally sustainable, grass-based production systems; full traceability; quality assurance at all stages; and superior eating quality. Among Bord Bia’s key initiatives this year is the continued development, promotion and marketing of its Origin Green initiative. This is designed to establish Ireland as a world leader in sustainably produced food and drink
Finally, I should note that the outlook for consumption in the key markets for Irish beef is positive. Furthermore, the decline in beef consumption across the EU is expected to be reversed in the coming years, with medium term forecasts indicating increased consumption in the coming years. My focus is on positioning the industry here to avail of the opportunities which this brings.
257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the return for cereal producers in the current year remain adequate and in line with increased costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35768/14]
View answerThe maintenance of an efficient and viable cereals sector in Ireland is clearly very important to the well being of the agri-food industry. Indigenous production of cereals is of course, an important part of primary agriculture production. In addition to generating an income for our tillage farmers, the cereals sector is a key source of grain for the milling and malting industry and feeding stuffs for the livestock sector. Annual cereals production in Ireland has fluctuated around 2 million tonnes in recent years and it is desirable to try and sustain this level of production in order to avoid over dependence on imported cereals. The 2014 harvest is estimated in the region of 2.5 million tonnes, well above the long-term average production of 2 million tonnes. Since Ireland is a deficit market for cereals, prices here are greatly affected by world prices and supplies. This is very much in evidence at the moment as a buoyant European and World cereals harvest continues to exert a downward pressure on prices of native grain. Volatility in prices is likely to become a constant feature of Irish cereal prices in future and grain producers should factor such fluctuations into their planning and marketing strategies.
My Department operates a range of services aimed at improving the efficiency of, quality and viability of cereal production. These services include seed certification, seed testing and recommended list of varieties, research funding through the ‘Stimulus’ programme and funding for the quality assurance scheme. In addition, Teagasc provides research, training and advisory services for cereal producers. The value of all these support services is reflected in the fact that Irish cereals producers have consistently achieved some of the highest yields in the world.
Food Harvest 2020 outlined a number of challenges facing the cereal sector in the coming years including price volatility, climatic and disease issues, high input prices, small and fragmented holdings and the cost of rented land. However, the report also pointed to positive projections for cereal prices as markets are relatively well-balanced and world cereal prices are projected to be higher than in the last decade. It is known that global grain production is struggling to meet the increasing demand for food, feed and industrial uses. In addition to a rising global population creating a bigger demand for cereals, an increasing demand for meat is disproportionately increasing grain demand even further. It is predicted that global demand for cereals will reach 3 billion tonnes by 2025 compared with 2.3 billion tonnes currently.
The primary growth in requirement for Irish cereals in the years ahead is likely to be for animal feed, given the targets for increased livestock output proposed in Food Harvest 2020. However, considerable potential also exists in grains for the drink industry such as malting barley and recent significant investments by the large brewing and distilling companies here in Ireland are proof of such potential. Further, it is envisaged that there will be increased demand for Irish oats milled for human food for the home and export markets and in this context, the success of the Agribusiness sector in securing, long-term contracts with US-based Foods companies to supply milled Irish oats to a premium Irish oatmeal brand in the US market, is particularly welcome.
258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the extent to which labelling and traceability continues to be effective and accurate in every respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35769/14]
View answer267. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the extent to which traceability and labelling continues to be effective in respect of all food imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35778/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 267 together.
Food production and labelling in EU Member States operate in accordance with harmonised rules and controls. These controls are subject to audit and supervision by the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of the EU. The FVO also audit the controls of the importing countries for equivalent standards before that country is authorised to import meat into the EU. Such products are required to comply with EU labelling legislation.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), under the aegis the Minister for Health, has overall responsibility for the enforcement of food safety and labelling requirements in Ireland. It carries out this remit through service contracts with my Department and other agencies including the Health Service Executive (HSE), Local Authority Veterinary Service and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. Inspections to ensure compliance with traceability and labelling legislation are carried out by inspection services provided by these agencies under the aforementioned contracts.
In relation to traceability, EU Food Hygiene Regulations stipulate, among other things, that there should be ‘one up, one down’ traceability at each point along the food chain and I am satisfied that food business operators in this country generally meet that standard.
259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects the dairy sector to expand and develop in the future post quota; the efforts made to secure new overseas markets for produce and-or product diversification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35770/14]
View answerThe abolition of quotas represents a massive opportunity for the Irish agri-food sector. Dairy exports in 2013 were valued at €3.1 bn and the dairy sector is by a number of measures the country’s largest indigenous industry. Due to its reputation and significant global footprint, the dairy sector in Ireland retains significant future growth potential. The removal of quotas will be a key driver in this respect. Ireland strongly supported the decision to abolish milk quotas with effect from 1st April 2015 on the basis that quotas 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 market opportunities. The abolition of quotas will facilitate an expansion in the sector and through the Food Harvest 2020 Report the industry has set itself an ambitious target for a 50% increase in milk production by 2020.
The projected increase in milk production under Food Harvest 2020 from 4.9bn litres in 2007/2009 to 7.4bn litres in 2020 will come from the two obvious sources, namely increased cow numbers and also increased yield production per cow. Increased milk yield per cow, in turn, will come from two main sources, namely improved breeding (EBI) and greater on-farm efficiency. It should be noted that 0.5bn of the required 2.5bn litre increase has already been achieved.
A comparison with New Zealand highlights the expansion potential. Dairy production in Ireland rose at a rate of 5.6% per annum in the years from 1975 to 1984, to a total of 5.2bn litres. Today, Ireland’s dairy production, at approximately 5.4bn litres in 2013, is roughly the same as that in 1984. In that same period, production in New Zealand, with a grass-based system similar to Ireland’s, has increased from 7.6bn litres to about 19bn litres. This illustrates the latent potential inherent to the sector and the massive opportunity that now presents itself. Based on industry, farmer and stakeholder responses to date, I fully expect that this potential will be wholeheartedly embraced.
I am also acutely aware of the need to develop as many market outlets as possible for Irish Dairy Products. Notwithstanding this successful trade performance, I am working with industry to raise the profile of the Irish dairy sector, and the Irish agri-food sector generally, in emerging markets in the Far East, North Africa, the Gulf States and elsewhere. China is an obvious destination for certain dairy products and in particular for dairy based infant formula. My Department is working very closely with the industry to build on our presence there. 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. Most market analysts predict that medium term prospects for global dairy markets are good, with growth in world population and wealth expected to stimulate strong levels of demand for dairy products. My aim is to help position the Irish dairy sector to be able to take advantage of this opportunity.
260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the total number of persons directly involved in the fishing industry including catching, processing and transport; the extent to which opportunities continue to be examined for expansion in the area resulting in increased production and employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35771/14]
View answer262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the extent to which employment at all levels in the fishing industry has fluctuated in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35773/14]
View answer263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects the fishing industry to expand in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35774/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 260, 262 and 263 together.
The seafood sector provides employment for approximately 11,000 people around the coast of Ireland. Employment levels have been broadly stable in most sub-segments, with the processing sector increasing at a rate of on average 100 per year, supported by in excess of €7 million of grant aid since 2010, co-funded by the Exchequer and European Fisheries Fund.
Food Harvest 2020 has recognised the potential of the seafood sector to grow sales to €1 billion by 2020 and to increase employment by 3,000 to 14,000. Bord Iascaigh Mhara’s Strategy for the period 2013-2017 is targeting achievement of that €1 billion in seafood sales by 2017 and the creation of 1,200 jobs by 2017. Over the two years 2012/2013 seafood sales rose by another €85 million to reach €845 million, a very impressive increase from the Food Harvest baseline of €700 million, indicating that the sector is well on its way to achieving the Government’s growth targets.
My Department is presently working on development of a new operational programme for the seafood sector for the period 2014-2020 under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. As part of that work, my Department has completed a SWOT analysis of the seafood sector, in consultation with relevant State agencies and stakeholders. That analysis has identified many opportunities for the seafood sector to grow in the years ahead, together with the challenges that must be overcome. The new Operational Programme will seek to address those challenges and to build on the opportunities to maximise the contribution of the seafood sector to the economy and to further increase employment in coastal communities. A draft of the Programme will be published for consultation before the end of 2014 and the Programme should begin to be implemented from 2015.
261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which families dependent on the fishing industry may rely on a sustainable income in the future notwithstanding any restrictions arising from EU or national conservation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35772/14]
View answerThe new CFP which was finalised last year under the Irish presidency will result in real meaningful reform to how EU waters are fished in the future. The agreement is designed to ensure the long term sustainability of fishing in Ireland and throughout EU waters, utilising best scientific advice as a key determinant in setting annual fishing quotas in the future. The reformed CFP will provide the framework for the long term sustainability of fish stocks around our shores, the continued economic viability of our fishing fleet and fish processing while supporting the communities that depend on a vibrant fishing industry. The package agreed will support the rebuilding of fish stocks in European waters and will allow for setting TACs and quotas to reflect catches when a landing obligation is introduced on the basis that for the first and subsequent years, discarding of that stock will no longer be allowed. In the longer term as fish stocks reach and are maintained at healthy levels, it will support increased fishing opportunities for Irish fishermen.
New opportunities for the direct involvement of the fishing industry are also a central part of the new CFP Reform which, for the first time, introduces a regionalised approach to fisheries management. We have moved away from the old system of an EU decision making approach centralised in Brussels. The new policy puts fishermen at the core of developing conservation measures for fisheries in which they are involved and also makes specific references to taking account of the needs of Irish fishermen.
From the outset of the Common Fisheries Policy revision process, Ireland’s overarching goal was to ensure a sustainable, profitable and self reliant industry that protects and enhances the social and economic fabric of rural coastal communities dependent on the seafood sector, while balancing these objectives with the need to safeguard fish stocks for future generations. This will ensure that families dependent on the fishing can look forward to being part of a vibrant, productive and resilient Irish fishing industry.
264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the Common Agricultural Policy review has been of benefit to the agri-sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35775/14]
View answerThe reforms agreed last year to the Common Agricultural Policy set the policy framework for Irish and European agriculture for the period up to 2020 and are of central importance in shaping the future of agriculture policy for the rest of this decade. The outcome has a crucial bearing on the development of the Irish agri-food sector in accordance with the Food Harvest 2020 strategy. It also makes an important contribution to the achievement of the objectives in the Europe 2020 strategy, which aims to deliver smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The changes are consistent with the smart, green, growth objectives of Food Harvest and provide farmers and the agri-food sector with stability and policy certainty to 2020. There were three key aspects to the reforms. First a greater emphasis has been placed on sustainability through the “greening” of direct payments and the requirement to support agri-environment measures in rural development programmes. Second, new and enhanced support is being introduced for young farmers under both pillars on the CAP. Third, the reformed CAP continues the movement towards greater market orientation, through the phasing out of production quotas for key products, the provision of safety-net supports in the case of severe market disturbance and the introduction of flexible measures that can be mobilised promptly and effectively to deal with crises.
Already the additional flexibility to manage crises has allowed the EU Commission to introduce additional market support measures to address the effects of the Russian import ban on EU agri-food products. The changes made to the direct payments system, including the provisions on greening, will not come into force until next year but I am convinced that the reforms will help the agri-food sector in Ireland to achieve its full potential. In short, I believe that the reforms agreed last year will underpin sustainable intensification of production in the years ahead, will support environmental stewardship and contribute to the maintenance of a vibrant rural economy.
265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which the Common Fisheries Policy review has positively affected the fishing industry here and throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35776/14]
View answerFrom the outset of the Common Fisheries Policy revision process, Ireland’s overarching goal was to ensure a sustainable, profitable and self reliant industry that protects and enhances the social and economic fabric of rural coastal communities dependent on the seafood sector, while balancing these objectives with the need to safeguard fish stocks for future generations. I strongly believe that the new CFP will achieve that goal both here at home and throughout Europe. The new CFP will bring real meaningful reform to how EU waters are fished in the future. The agreement is designed to ensure the long term sustainability of fishing in Ireland and throughout EU waters, utilising best scientific advice as a key determinant in setting annual fishing quotas in the future. A key element of the new CFP is the setting of fishing levels on the basis of MSY (Maximum Sustainable Yield). This should lead to healthy fish stocks, higher quotas for both Irish and EU fishermen and lead to more sustainable fishing patterns. The Commission proposals for TACs and quotas for 2015, expected to be published in late October / early November, will take account of delivering MSY for 2015 where possible and on a progressive, incremental basis at the latest by 2020 for all stocks.
The new Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) provides the framework for the long term sustainability of fish stocks around our shores, the continued economic viability of our fishing fleet and fish processing while supporting the communities that depend on a vibrant fishing industry. The package agreed will support the rebuilding of fish stocks in European waters and will allow for setting TACs and quotas to reflect catches when a landing obligation is introduced on the basis that for the first and subsequent years, discarding of that stock no longer be allowed. In the longer term as fish stocks reach and are maintained at healthy levels, it will support increased fishing opportunities for all European fishermen.
New opportunities for the direct involvement of the fishing industry are also a central part of the new CFP Reform which, for the first time, introduces a regionalised approach to fisheries management. We have moved away from the old system of an EU decision making approach centralised in Brussels. The new policy puts fishermen at the core of developing conservation measures for fisheries in which they are involved and also makes specific references to taking account of the needs of our fishermen. The new reform provides for a regional approach to decision making. Ireland works with fellow Member States involving UK, France, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands on developing appropriate measures for fisheries in the North Western Waters. This group works closely with the North Western Waters Advisory Council and the Pelagic Advisory Council. A discards plan for pelagic stocks in North Western Waters is being finalised as the landing obligation applies to these stocks from 1 January 2015. Work on a plan for whitefish stocks has commenced to provide for the landing obligation which commences on 1 January 2016. This work is being carried out in consultation with the Advisory Council.
It is expected that over time this landing obligation will lead to a healthy fish stock thus resulting in increased fishing opportunities for the fishing industry here at home and throughout Europe.
266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which indicators in respect of the Food Harvest 2020 remain in line with expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35777/14]
View answerI am pleased to report that the industry developed targets set out in Food Harvest 2020 are being successfully delivered. The following table illustrates the progress achieved on the three headline targets as well as the current position in each of the main agricultural sectors.
|
Headline Targets |
Baseline (2007-2009 Average*) |
FH2020 Target |
Latest Position |
|
Primary |
€4.596 billion |
€6.27 billion |
€6.1 8 billion |
|
Exports |
€8.298 billion |
€12 billion |
€10. 3 billion |
|
Gross Value Added |
€6.053 billion (*2008 only) |
€8.57 billion |
€7. 45 billion (201 2 only) |
|
Sectoral Data |
- |
- |
- |
|
Milk Output Value |
€1.465 billion |
+50% |
+ 4 2 % |
|
Cattle Output Value |
€1.552 billion |
+20% |
+ 3 9 % |
|
Pigs Output Value |
€309 million |
+50% |
+ 5 4 % |
|
Sheep Output Value |
€172 million |
+20% |
+ 19 % |
The Milestones for Success 2014 was published yesterday and outlines the progress achieved over the past four years and highlights the importance of the continued expansion of the agrifood sector.
268. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if grants will be provided to newly founded animal welfare groups; the way such grants can be applied for [35824/14]
View answerMy Department does not operate specific schemes of financial assistance for animal welfare groups. However since 1995 ex-gratia funding has been made annually to a number of animal welfare organisations directly involved in the delivery of animal care and welfare services. In May 2014, my Department invited applications from animal welfare bodies that wish to be considered for ex-gratia funding in the current year. These applications are currently being processed. Successful applicants will be notified in December 2014.
269. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their single farm payment for 2013; the reason for the delay. [35879/14]
View answerA review of the ortho-imagery of the land parcels declared by the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme suggested that a number of the land parcels declared by the person named contained ineligible features. Following an appeal from the person named, a Department inspector visited the holding and confirmed this not to be the case; payment due will issue to the person named in the coming days.
270. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the number of farmers and or landowners fined for not controlling noxious weeds, particularly ragwort in the past five years; the number of notifications given to the National Roads Authority and to county and city councils. [35884/14]
View answer271. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the discussions he has held with Iarnród Éireann regarding the growth of noxious weeds, especially ragwort, along railway embankments; his plans to inform them of their obligations under existing legislation and instruct them to control weeds especially along the section of railway from Galway city to the Oranmore level crossing. [35885/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together.
The Noxious Weeds Act 1936 provides for the control of the spread of six noxious weeds, namely, thistle, ragwort, dock, common barberry, male wild hop plant and the wild oat. Under the Act, it is an offence not to prevent the spread of these noxious weeds. The owner, occupier, user or managers of lands on which these weeds are present are subject to the provisions of the Act, including a fine of up to €1,000 on conviction.
My Department actively seeks to enforce the provisions of the Act by issuing notices to destroy in all instances where it becomes aware of the presence of noxious weeds. A total of 57 such notices were issued in 2012 and 2013. These notices are issued as a result of inspections carried out by Department field officers or on receipt of complaints made by the public. Follow-up action may be undertaken by my officials with the landowner to ensure the notifications are acted upon and that the particular weeds have been dealt with as stipulated in the notice to destroy. Additionally, all recipients of notices to destroy in the last two years were contacted again this year reminding them of their obligations to control noxious weeds present on their lands.
Additionally, under the EU single farm payment scheme, farmers are obliged to keep their lands free from noxious weeds under the cross-compliance measures of the scheme. Failure to do so may result in a reduction of their payment entitlements.
My Department continues to engage with all local authorities and the National Roads Authority to ensure a consistent programme of treatment and disposal of noxious weeds on roadsides on an ongoing basis. In that context my officials earlier this year wrote to Managers of each County and Local Authorities together with the National Roads Authority restating their statutory obligations under the Act and reminding them of the importance of implementing measures for the treatment and safe disposal of ragwort. Additionally, I have instructed my officials to contact Iarnód Eireann with a view to raising with them the lands identified between Galway and Oranmore.
