Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2016
233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to promote Irish meat and dairy exports globally in the aftermath of a British exit from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21569/16]
View answerPromotion of Irish meat and dairy exports globally is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region. This is where our efforts will be focused for the foreseeable future, particularly given the need to diversify our markets and to reduce our reliance on traditional destinations such as the UK. Indeed this is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU, which presents significant new challenges for the agri-food sector in particular.
In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025, I intend to lead a Trade Mission that will visit Vietnam, Singapore and China in early September. My Department is currently working with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland to finalise the arrangements for this mission, which will include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as political discussions with my counterparts in the host countries.
I am also considering a range of other destinations for later in 2016 and for 2017, although no decision has yet been made in terms of content or timing. Again, markets in Asia, Africa and the Gulf Region are likely to feature prominently in these considerations, and I am of course ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.
