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Sheepmeat Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Questions (503)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

503. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he is satisfied regarding the future prospects for exports of lamb to the European Union or outside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7450/18]

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Written answers

Last year, 2017, was a positive year for the Irish sheepmeat industry and total Irish sheepmeat production rose by 10 percent in 2017 to 67,000 tonnes according to the Performance and Prospects 2017/2018 report by Bord Bia. Alongside this increase in production, exports have risen by 14 percent in volume terms to 57,000 tonnes and by 12 percent in value terms to €275 million. In 2017 Ireland exported sheepmeat to 39 countries. 

Within the EU, France and the UK remain the top markets for Irish sheepmeat. France represents one third of the market, growing at 4 percent to €95 million; this strong market will be a significant asset to Ireland’s sheepmeat industry against the backdrop of Brexit. The UK market grew at 11 percent, yielding €51 million. Across the EU, Sweden recorded growth of 14 percent for 2017, making it Ireland’s third largest export market for sheepmeat. The German market is in fourth position, with a 9 per cent growth rate and exports of €26m.

Bord Bia have identified Germany as an EU country with strong growth potential; Germany has a large meat-eating population base, and low consumption of sheepmeat. Industry trends indicate that lamb is growing in popularity amongst gourmet restaurants and premium retailers, and the Bord Bia strategy will target this section of the market. Among other EU markets targeted for development in the Bord Bia report are the Nordic countries, where Irish sheepmeat already accounts for over one in every five tonnes of sheep meat imported; and Belgium and Luxembourg, where Irish premium exports are growing in a competitive market.

Outside of the EU, Bord Bia’s recent market prioritisation exercise has identified Iran and the United Arab Emirates as markets with high potential for growth. The Iranian population is expected to increase significantly, and sheepmeat is popular amongst consumers. Ireland gained sheepmeat market access to Iran in 2016. The United Arab Emirates imports large quantities of meat, with imports making up 70% of all requirements.

In terms of sheepmeat market access, I announced Ireland’s intention to seek sheepmeat access to both South Korea and Japan during the Trade Mission last November and positive progress is already being made in relation to access to Japan. Nonetheless, it is important to keep seeking out new opportunities for our sheepmeat industry.

Sheepmeat access to the USA is a high priority for the sheepmeat industry, although this will be dependent on the USA lifting their TSE ban. The timing of this is uncertain and is a matter for the US authorities but it is intended to raise this as part of the upcoming Trade Mission to the USA and Canada.

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