Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 July 2016
752. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department hope to be in a position to pursue and secure new markets for Irish exports with particular reference to the challenges arising from Brexit; if he expects to utilise a multifaceted approach in this endeavour regardless of deadlines associated with Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24323/16]
View answerThe pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agrifood exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agrifood sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Indeed, this is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU, which presents significant new challenges for the agrifood sector in particular.
Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agrifood 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.
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 agrifood 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.
