Written Answers Nos. 225-235
225. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on keeping a regional veterinary laboratory open in the north west in view of the essential nature of the services offered by the laboratory to farmers in the region. [21312/17]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) Laboratories are an integral part of the Department, providing critical scientific evidence and expertise (in animal health, food safety and plant sciences) which allows the Department to function effectively as a regulator, to deal with new and emerging risks and to rapidly respond to disease outbreaks and food safety incidents. The laboratories also provide valued services and advisory support to the farming community, the food industry and wider society.
The ambitious targets of the agrifood industry for growth and development over the next decade, as set out in Food Wise 2025, must be underpinned by robust systems which protect and enhance our reputation as a producer of safe and wholesome food and one of the ways in which we must respond to this challenge is by developing a long-term strategy for the laboratories - building on existing capability and expertise in animal health, food safety and plant sciences, and ensuring we achieve both operational and scientific excellence.
This was the primary reason for tasking a Working Group led by Prof. Alan Reilly to undertake a comprehensive review of the Department’s Laboratories. This review has considered both the central laboratory complex at Backweston and the eight regional laboratories located at Athlone, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick and Sligo. The Group has presented a report to the Department, which makes recommendations on:
- Oversight and co-ordination of the laboratories activities
- Re-organisation of Divisions and support functions within the Central Laboratory complex
- Options for the future development of the Regional Laboratories – with a view to improving disease investigative and surveillance capability but with the over-riding imperative of maintaining and enhancing services to farmers and
- Human resources management within the laboratories - with a focus on grading structures, career development opportunities and workforce planning.
To date no decision has been taken in respect of the options proposed for the Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs). My Department is currently completing a consultative process with all relevant stakeholders on the Working Group report (including on the options for RVLs). A cost-benefit analysis of the various options proposed will be undertaken. Any decision made will be informed by the consultative process and the outcome of the cost-benefit analysis.
226. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if during the renegotiation of the Common Agriculture Policy after 2020, the Government will seek the inclusion of land drainage schemes on marginal land. [21313/17]
View answerIn terms of CAP post 2020, the European Commission in February 2017 commenced a consultation phase on modernising and simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy. The consultation closed on 2 May 2017 with the results of the consultation expected in July 2017, when the Commission holds a stakeholder conference in Brussels. The consultation will influence the Commission's communication on CAP after 2020 which is expected in late 2017.
Regarding a land drainage scheme, the current programming period 2014 - 2020 does not include such a scheme. It was considered in 2013 in advance of the 2014 - 2020 Rural Development Programme being agreed; however it was decided not to proceed with such a scheme following discussions within my Department and with the then, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and with the Environmental Protection Agency.
During those discussions, significant issues regarding Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations and the Habitats Directive were raised. It was also considered that were there to be a land drainage scheme, it would be likely that specific sensitive areas such as Natura Designated Lands (whether Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas) and potentially contiguous areas that may impact on these designations, would have to be excluded. Other administrative and control challenges within my own Department were also raised as significant issues.
The Deputy will be aware that discussions on CAP post 2020 are at an early stage and no decisions have yet been taken; however the challenges presented by a land drainage scheme as outlined in the previous paragraphs in the context of the current programming period, would have to be considered and addressed were such a scheme to be included within a future CAP.
227. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the difficulties in meeting the obligations for the designation of areas of natural constraint against a new set of biophysical parameters as he stated at the recent meeting of the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21314/17]
View answerUnder the Rural Development Regulation each Member State must designate areas eligible for payments under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme. The ANC scheme replaces the previous Disadvantaged Areas Scheme/Less Favoured Areas Scheme. The designation of eligible areas under these schemes to date has been based on a range of socio-economic factors. From 2018 eligible areas must instead be designated using a set list of bio-physical criteria. In cases where a Member State does not introduce this new system for payment, the old scheme remains in place but payments must phase out on a digressive basis.
The biophysical criteria set out in the legislation to underpin the new system of designation are:
- Low temperature
- Dryness
- Excess soil moisture
- Limited soil drainage
- Unfavourable texture and stoniness
- Shallow rooting depth
- Poor chemical properties
- Steep slope.
My Department has commenced work on this project, and relevant technical experts are currently working on sourcing and analysing the data in relation to the new criteria. Department officials have also been in contact with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and DG Agri in the EU Commission in relation to technical issues arising. This analysis will identify areas deemed to be facing natural constraints, which will in parallel be subjected to a refinement process.
At recent EU meetings, a proposal to introduce an optional extension of the 2018 deadline was introduced by another Member State. This proposal for an optional extension has not yet been agreed at EU level.
228. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the stage at which it was decided that the State could not meet its obligations with regard to the maps which were promised in mid-2017 in the review of the areas of natural constraint scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21315/17]
View answerUnder the Rural Development Regulation each Member State must designate areas eligible for payments under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme. The ANC scheme replaces the previous Disadvantaged Areas Scheme/Less Favoured Areas Scheme. The designation of eligible areas under these schemes to date has been based on a range of socio-economic factors. From 2018 eligible areas must instead be designated using a set list of bio-physical criteria. In cases where a Member State does not introduce this new system for payment, the old scheme remains in place but payments must phase out on a digressive basis.
The bio-physical criteria set out in the legislation to underpin the new system of designation are:
- Low temperature
- Dryness
- Excess soil moisture
- Limited soil drainage
- Unfavourable texture and stoniness
- Shallow rooting depth
- Poor chemical properties
- Steep slope.
My Department has commenced work on this project, and relevant technical experts are currently working on sourcing and analysing the data in relation to the new criteria. Department officials have also been in contact with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and DG Agri in the EU Commission in relation to technical issues arising. This analysis will identify areas deemed to be facing natural constraints, which will in parallel be subjected to a refinement process.
At recent EU meetings, a proposal to introduce an optional extension of the 2018 deadline was introduced by another Member State. This proposal for an optional extension has not yet been agreed at EU level.
229. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he has explored alternative opportunities for Irish food produce on world markets with particular reference to the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21337/17]
View answerThe pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports 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. 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.
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.
In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025, I and Minister Doyle led trade missions to China, Singapore, Vietnam and South Korea in September 2016. In November I also led a trade mission to Morocco which was extended at senior official level to include Algeria. Earlier in 2016, senior officials accompanied a Bord Bia trade mission to Iran, and travelled on to Turkey and met with officials to discuss trade of live animals.
In February 2017 I also led a very successful Trade Mission to the Gulf Region. This covered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
My Department is currently working with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland in making arrangements for other destinations for the remainder of 2017, although no final decision has yet been made in terms of content or timing. Again, markets in Asia, Africa and America are likely to feature prominently in these considerations, and I am of course ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise. These missions will again 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 have also hosted a number of high level visits from countries outside of the EU including, most recently, the Chinese Minister for Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, and the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, and their delegations.
These missions and visits will serve to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in these destinations. It will also promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products.
230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he anticipates ongoing growth in the beef sector with particular reference to Food Harvest 2020 and Food Wise 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21338/17]
View answer231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he envisages increased demand for Irish lamb on world markets into the future in view of Food Harvest 2020 and Food Wise 2025 projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21339/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.
There is a currently strong demand for meat globally including beef and sheepmeat. Figures from the European Commission's most recent Short Term Outlook for meat markets show a projected growth of per capita beef consumption of 1.2% for 2017.
With regard to the market situation for sheepmeat the European Commission’s Short Term Outlook noted that consumption of sheepmeat declined by 1% in 2016 due to a reduced availability of sheepmeat on the EU market but that consumption will increase in 2017 as production increases. The strong performance of Irish sheepmeat across the EU, not just in our traditional markets in France and the UK in recent years augurs well.
The immediate impact of Brexit was seen in weaker sterling values against the Euro. Despite this cattle prices are remaining reasonably firm so far this year. Nonetheless the uncertainty surrounding the final outcome of negotiations presents significant challenges. Our strategy is to defend our market position in the UK while developing new opportunities elsewhere.
I led a major trade mission to four Asian Countries in September of last year and one to Algeria and Morocco at the beginning of November. I also led a trade mission to the Middle East at the end of February. By increasing our footprint internationally that we can help to mitigate the effects of Brexit and develop our agri-food sector to realise its full potential. My Department and its state agencies will continue to ensure that as many markets as possible are opened for Irish beef and sheepmeat.
I am also very conscious of the vital role that live exports play in providing an alternative market outlet for Irish farmers. These have increased significantly in 2017, both to traditional EU and third country markets, and this is helping to provide market balance for cattle prices in Ireland.
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.
233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he and his Department continue to monitor opportunities for growth in the dairy sector having particular regard to geopolitical developments and the sustainability of family farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21341/17]
View answerMy Department is constantly monitoring development opportunities in the Dairy sector. I have recently undertaken a number of trade missions in order to gain access to new 3rd country markets and develop existing ones for dairy and other agrifood sectors.
In addition, against the background of Brexit, I have recently asked Bord Bia to conduct market profiling exercise to identify opportunities in new and more mature markets, and the output of this exercise will provide valuable market intelligence both for industry operators and policy makers.
Competitiveness is key if Irish operators are to be successful on international markets. My Department works closely with industry stakeholders, providing financial and practical support to bring initiatives which encourage sustainable development of the sector through on farm skills development and collaboration leading to increased efficiencies. It also provides funding for Teagasc to provide research , education and advice to improve farm and industry competitiveness, and funding is also available through Enterprise Ireland for lean manufacturing, energy efficiency and other competitiveness measures.
There have been a number of geopolitical factors which have exacerbated market volatility in recent years, including the ban on exports to Russia. As Minister, I have been an advocate of deploying the market measures utilised by the Commission, such as Aids to Private Storage and Intervention. These have been deployed and this has helped put a floor under prices over the past two years. There has been significant price recovery this year. Additionally, the Common Market Organisation Regulations agreed by the Irish EU Presidency in 2013 provides for more flexible "exceptional measures, such as those deployed during the most recent dairy market crisis. These included the provision of direct aid to farmers, the voluntary production reduction scheme and the €11 million in funding that facilitated the creation of a €150 million low interest loan fund for farmers.
It should be noted that there have been a number of significant successes in recent times and agrifood exports to China, for example, have almost tripled in value to more than €700m since 2010, much of this in the dairy sector. My Department will continue to evaluate opportunities in other markets and to work with agencies to assist industry with market development into the future.
234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the sectors within the agrifood business in which he anticipates the greatest opportunities for growth in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21342/17]
View answerWe are fortunate in having Food Wise 2025, an excellent industry-led strategy which identified opportunities for growth and made clear recommendations for development across and in individual sectors. Significant successes in recent times include the tripling in value of agri food exports to China to over €700 million since 2010 and the double digit growth in exports of Irish Whiskey, which we expect to continue.
There are also significant opportunities across the product ranges elsewhere in the Far East, in Africa, in the Gulf Region and the US, in emerging economies, and areas of significant population growth. There is also a need to maximise the opportunity in more mature markets to which we already have access.
There are significant challenges around Brexit, of course, and it is clear that while working to consolidate our position on the UK market, we also need to intensify efforts to secure access and increase penetration for Irish food and drink products on EU and international markets. I can assure the deputy that this work will be a continuing priority for my department and its agencies.
235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects to be in a position to safeguard jobs in the fishing industry in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21343/17]
View answerThe 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 industry while supporting our families and communities that depend on the sea for their livelihood.
A key element of the CFP is the setting of fishing levels on the basis of MSY (Maximum Sustainable Yield). This should ultimately lead to healthy fish stocks, higher quotas for both Irish and EU fishermen and lead to more sustainable fishing patterns. The CFP specifically calls for the progressive restoration and maintenance of populations of fish stocks above biomass levels capable of producing MSY. This is being phased in gradually and is due to be complete by 2020 at the latest for all stocks. This will result in more fish being left in the sea to mature and reproduce leading to increased abundance of fish, and over time to higher quotas for Irish fishermen.
The EU Commission has noted that the state of fish stocks in European Atlantic and nearby waters continues to improve which I believe indicates that we are continuing to see the benefits of prudent and responsible fisheries management practices.
The ongoing implementation the landing obligation, which began in 2015 will also contribute to an improvement in the state of the stocks of importance to Ireland and will result in increased fishing opportunities for the Irish fishing industry.
The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme is funding a suite of schemes implemented by Bord Iascaigh Mhara to support our seafood processing sector develop new value-added seafood products, put in place the capital investment to produce new and more seafood products, develop business and marketing strategies to take advantage of the export opportunities, and to work cooperatively with other seafood enterprises to develop marketing resources in potential export markets.
My overarching goal for fisheries is 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 fishing can look forward to being part of a vibrant, productive and resilient Irish fishing industry and can expect to continue to achieve a reasonable return for their efforts and investment.
The most immediate potential threat to the well being of our fishing industry is of course Brexit. At this stage it is impossible to say with certainty what effect Brexit will have on the Irish fishing industry as we don't know yet what changes the UK may seek to the current arrangements.
Any attempt by the UK to alter the status quo at the expense of Ireland and others must, and will be, resisted strenuously.
I am and will remain in close contact with fisheries stakeholders as the issues develop and work with them to ensure that we are all fully prepared for what are likely to be extremely complex negotiations.
I am also continuing to work closely with my European colleagues to ensure that fisheries remain a top priority in the negotiations to come. Protecting existing shares and access are top priorities for the fishing Member States.
