Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 May 2017
232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he has identified positive prospects for future growth in the pigmeat and poultry sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21340/17]
View answerMy Department carefully monitors developments in the pigmeat and poultry sectors, both domestically and internationally, and meets with stakeholders regularly to hear their views on developments.
The development of the pigmeat sector is a priority for me given the crucial role which the industry plays in supporting 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 third largest individual component. In 2016 Irish pigmeat exports were 4% higher at €615m. Exports of Irish pigmeat to International markets however grew by 20% driven by higher demand from Asia. Irish prices are currently strong and remain broadly in line with EU prices, reflecting renewed market confidence in Europe and increased demand in China, the second most important market for Irish pigmeat.
Poultry meat has long been seen as a value for money food and this has underscored an increase in demand, particularly in recent years. Irish production hit record levels in 2016. Retail sales of fresh and chilled poultry increased by approximately 8% on the Irish market in 2016 compared to the previous year, with most of this increase was attributable to broilers, while prices remained steady.
Support is provided by my Department for the development of the pigmeat and poultry sectors in a number of ways. Firstly I have included provision throughout the whole RDP for a specific Pigs and Poultry Investment Scheme with a budget of €17 million. Among the areas identified for funding are investments for energy, water meters and medicine dispensers. Other elements of the RDP, such as targeted Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme and the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme will also be of benefit to the sectors.
Other supports for development of the sector come through Teagasc which, through its Moorepark pig research facility, courses in pig production, and the provision of technical advice plays an important role in improving production at farm level. Support for the poultry sector is available through the RDP funded Knowledge Transfer programme which was launched last year.
I am also conscious of the need to promote the consumption of Irish pigmeat in domestic and overseas markets. Bord Bia provides assistance to the pigmeat and poultry sectors through its marketing and promotional activities and the quality assurance schemes which help consolidate the position of Irish pigmeat and poultry produce on the domestic market. Support from Bord Bia also helps expand the presence of Irish exports on EU and third country markets, which is evident from the continued rise in exports, particularly to Asia.
Finally, I am committed to ensuring that as many alternative markets as possible are open to the Irish pigmeat and poultry sectors to ensure the continuation of positive prospects for future growth. In that regard I recently launched a seven point plan to increase international market access for Irish food and drink exports. This will be implemented by my Department with significant input from Bord Bia and Irish Embassies around the world, to help increase the footprint of our food and drink exports. Securing access for Irish products and increasing penetration in international markets is a priority against the background of Brexit. There have been a number of significant successes in recent times and agri food exports to China, for example, have almost tripled in value to more than €700 million since 2010.
