Charlie McConalogue
Question:147. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the plan to roll out the new green cert programme in 2018. [41662/18]
View answerTeagasc Courses
Questions (147)
Written answers
Teagasc deliver the Green Cert on a part-time, full-time and distance education basis at regional education centres and at the agricultural colleges. The "Cert" is accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland, an independent State agency responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training services in Ireland.
In 2016, Teagasc led a review of the Green Cert under the auspices of Quality and Qualifications Ireland, and in consultation with a wide body of stakeholders, to ensure that it is fit-for-purpose in terms of emerging industry needs.
The review process recommended strengthening the Green Cert across many key areas, in particular, grass management, animal breeding, health and safety and sustainable farming approaches.
The updated Green Cert commenced in Q3 of 2017 for part-time and distance education Green Cert programmes and from the start of the 2018/19 academic year for fulltime courses in the agricultural colleges.
Animal Welfare
Questions (148)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:148. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to ensure the all-island animal health and welfare strategy is maintained in a hard Brexit scenario; and the status of discussions he has had with authorities in the UK and Northern Ireland in this regard. [41663/18]
View answerWritten answers
Brexit has the potential to have a significant impact on the whole of the agriculture industry throughout Ireland.
However, the Government, in the first instance, is seeking to minimise the impact of Brexit through a negotiated outcome which permits a trading arrangement post-Brexit that is as close as possible to that prevailing currently. That is what Ireland wants from the negotiations, and it is also what the EU wants.
In this regard, the UK commitment, in the Joint EU-UK Report of last December, to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, was extremely important. The aim is to continue with the relatively free movement of agricultural goods/animals on the island of Ireland.
Ensuring that the UK gives effect to this commitment is a significant focus of the Irish Government, and we have the full support of our EU partners and of the European Commission Task Force in this regard. I and my Department have been contributing actively to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade coordinated ‘whole of government’ approach to ensure such an outcome emanates from the negotiations.
There is ongoing, close co-operation between my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, including through dedicated working groups established as part of the All-Island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy Action Plan by the North/South Ministerial Council. The working groups focus on critical issues such as disease control, animal identification and movement, cross-border communication, data sharing and the development of joint initiatives on animal welfare.
I have hosted a number of all-island civic dialogue events to discuss the implications of Brexit across the agri-food sector. These events provided important opportunities to engage directly in detail with stakeholders on the implications of Brexit and the potential responses that will be required as the negotiations unfold. The need to maintain an all-island approach to animal health/disease issues was discussed.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government remains very focused on supporting the agriculture industry through the challenges ahead. The Government will be firm in arguing that any agreement reached between the EU and the UK must take account of the very serious challenges presented by Brexit for the sector, particularly given the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland and the importance of our economic relationship with the UK.
And, of course, ultimately Ireland's objective in the negotiations is to have a trading relationship with the entire UK which is as close as possible to the current arrangement.
Rural Development Programme Funding
Questions (149)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:149. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Ireland will implement a new sector specific income stabilisation tool as provided under EU regulation 2017/2393. [41664/18]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland's Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 does not include a provision for an income stabilisation tool. As all of the available funding has been committed, it is not currently envisaged that one will be implemented under this RDP. However it is an option which will be considered in the context of the new CAP post 2020.
Knowledge Transfer Programme
Questions (150)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:150. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a reduced rate for the knowledge transfer programme forestry compared to the previous programme as outlined in correspondence (details supplied). [41665/18]
View answerWritten answers
The payment rate of €70 for participants per event attended is the same rate as applied during the pilot scheme for the Forestry Knowledge Transfer Groups; no changes to the rates have been proposed.
I consider that the pilot scheme last year was very successful and it has helped to inform the design of the current Scheme which was recently launched by Minister Andrew Doyle. I am are very pleased with the higher than expected uptake of the 2018 scheme and approvals have now issued to 52 groups comprising some 1,000 participants. Subject to available funding, we propose to launch the scheme for 2019 also, which will allow for a new intake of participants.
Forestry Data
Questions (151)
Jackie Cahill
Question:151. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the planting targets per hectare for all categories in 2017 and to date in 2018 for the Forestry Programme 2014-2020; the actual number of hectares planted in 2017 and to date in 2018 for these categories; and the number of hectares planted out of each annual target set on a percentage basis, in tabular form. [41677/18]
View answerWritten answers
While overall targets are set for planting programme as a whole, only Native Woodland, Agroforestry, and Forestry for fibre have specific planting targets and they are not set for the other Grant and Premium Categories (GPC) 1 to 8 inclusive. The relevant data is provided in tabular form as requested.
|
Scheme |
2017 target |
2017 Actual |
% of target planted |
2018 Target |
2018 Actual (Oct 2018) |
% of target planted (Oct 2018) |
|
Afforestation, ha |
7,140 |
5,536 |
78% |
7,205 |
3,297 |
46% |
|
of which afforestation(GPC 1- 8) |
6,165 |
5,261 |
85% |
6,215 |
3,049 |
49% |
|
of which NWS establishment(GPC 9&10) |
450 |
270 |
60% |
450 |
247 |
55% |
|
of which Agro-forestry (GPC 11) |
25 |
5 |
20% |
40 |
0 |
0% |
|
f which energy and fibre (GPC 12) |
500 |
0 |
0% |
500 |
1 |
0% |
Forestry Data
Questions (152)
Jackie Cahill
Question:152. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers and non-farmers participating in planting schemes under the Forestry Programme 2014-2020 nationally and by county in tabular form. [41678/18]
View answerWritten answers
There is no distinction between farmers and non-farmers under the 2014-2020 Forestry Programme as the aim is to make the afforestation scheme accessible to all landowners; this allows retired farmers, sons and daughters of farmers or other relatives who might have inherited land but who have careers outside of farming to take part in the scheme, as well as other private investors.
My Department compiles a number of different afforestation statistics annually, which are made available on my Department's website. Those statistics include payments made to farmers and non-farmers. For the purposes of data collection, it should be noted that the category of "non-farmer" also includes recently retired farmers or their sons and daughters or other family members. This means that the vast bulk of premiums under the afforestation scheme are paid to and remain in rural Ireland.
The following table provides a breakdown of the number of farmers and non farmers that have planted since the start of the current Forestry Programme (2015, 2016, 2017 and up to the 8th October 2018).
|
- |
NUMBER OF FARMERS |
NUMBER OF NON FARMERS |
|
CARLOW |
26 |
7 |
|
CAVAN |
119 |
76 |
|
CLARE |
202 |
108 |
|
CORK |
195 |
88 |
|
DONEGAL |
25 |
14 |
|
DUBLIN |
4 |
3 |
|
GALWAY |
166 |
69 |
|
KERRY |
143 |
81 |
|
KILDARE |
16 |
12 |
|
KILKENNY |
88 |
15 |
|
LAOIS |
40 |
24 |
|
LEITRIM |
142 |
90 |
|
LIMERICK |
79 |
31 |
|
LONGFORD |
110 |
43 |
|
LOUTH |
10 |
7 |
|
MAYO |
198 |
95 |
|
MEATH |
37 |
28 |
|
MONAGHAN |
25 |
17 |
|
OFFALY |
58 |
28 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
179 |
79 |
|
SLIGO |
108 |
44 |
|
TIPPERARY |
84 |
43 |
|
WATERFORD |
62 |
14 |
|
WESTMEATH |
83 |
37 |
|
WEXFORD |
60 |
22 |
|
WICKLOW |
48 |
32 |
|
TOTAL |
2307 |
1107 |
Forestry Data
Questions (153)
Jackie Cahill
Question:153. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of agricultural land in each county that has been planted with forestry to date in tabular form. [41679/18]
View answerWritten answers
Forestry is one of the many land use options available to farmers and land owners and the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme is one of a wide range of supports provided by my Department. In 2017, 5,536 hectares of new forestry was planted nationally. In 2018 to date, 3,297 hectares of new land has been afforested.
My Department compiles a number of different afforestation statistics annually, which are made available on my Department's website. The third Ireland’s National Forestry Inventory – 2017 was recently published and is available on the website. The NFI and other published data are invaluable sources of statistical information on Ireland’s forest estate.
The area of land afforested in each county is indicated in the following table, which is taken from the third NFI. The area of forest is estimated to be 770,020 ha or 11% of the total land area of Ireland (NFI 2017).
It is not possible to provide the percentage of agricultural land afforested in each county as there is no information available on the total agricultural area in each county.
|
County |
% Area |
|
Carlow |
9.4 |
|
Cavan |
9.3 |
|
Clare |
17.2 |
|
Cork |
12.1 |
|
Donegal |
11.4 |
|
Dublin |
6.5 |
|
Galway |
9.9 |
|
Kerry |
12.1 |
|
Kildare |
6.1 |
|
Kilkenny |
9.6 |
|
Laois |
15.4 |
|
Leitrim |
18.9 |
|
Limerick |
10.4 |
|
Longford |
8.4 |
|
Louth |
2.9 |
|
Mayo |
9.2 |
|
Meath |
5.7 |
|
Monaghan |
4.6 |
|
Offaly |
14.7 |
|
Roscommon |
11.1 |
|
Sligo |
11.4 |
|
Tipperary |
11.8 |
|
Waterford |
14.7 |
|
Westmeath |
8.2 |
|
Wexford |
6.2 |
|
Wicklow |
17.9 |
|
Total |
11.0 |
Afforestation Programme
Questions (154)
Jackie Cahill
Question:154. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the policy proposal to issue afforestation licences for SACs and SPAs as the lead authority for forestry licences; if he has had discussions in this regard at EU level and or with the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on same; and the number of such meetings in 2017 and to date 2018 on this issue. [41680/18]
View answerWritten answers
The overall aim of the European Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species which are threatened throughout Europe and deemed highly sensitive to change. These habitats and species are listed in the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC). Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) – also known as Natura sites – are designated to afford protection to the most vulnerable of these habitats and species. As such, SACs and SPAs are a key component in the protection of rare and endangered habitats and species, both in Ireland and at a European and international level.
One of the key protective measures under this European legislation is the requirement under Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive to apply an appropriate assessment procedure, to consider any possible impact on the conservation objectives of a Natura site that might arise from a plan or project, before a decision is taken whether or not to allow that plan or project to proceed. The application of appropriate assessment in Ireland is governed by the European Communities (Birds & Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477 of 2011).
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is listed as a 'public authority' under these Regulations. Therefore, this Department is required to carry out a screening for Appropriate Assessment, and the Appropriate Assessment itself, if deemed necessary, in relation to all licence applications for afforestation in these areas.
With regard to Hen Harrier SPAs the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is currently developing a Threat Response Plan (TRP) for the conservation of Hen Harriers. Forestry will form an element of the Plan and my Department is working closely with NPWS on issues concerning forestry in Hen Harrier SPAs. Until the Threat Response Plan is completed, my Department will not be in a position to approve afforestation projects within the SPAs.
Officials from DAFM and the Department of Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht met and held discussions on an ad hoc basis approximately 10 times throughout 2017 and 2018, including on the sidelines of other meetings. These meetings would have largely centred on progress regarding the draft Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan and the draft Forests & Freshwater Pearl Mussel Plan. The issue of afforestation would have arisen during discussions in many of these, given the strong overlap of both initiatives with Natura sites
Three formal meetings are relevant:
- The DG Environment, European Commission, Irish Package Meeting, held in the Customs House, Dublin, 28 February 2018, which contained an agenda item on the draft Forests & Freshwater Pearl Mussel Plan.
- Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan Inter-Departmental Steering Group Meeting, held at the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Ely Place, Dublin, 8th May 2018.
- Hen Harrier TRP Consultative Committee, also held at the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Ely Place, Dublin, 8th May 2018.
Again, all three meetings would have included (inter alia) discussions regarding afforestation within Natura sites.
Food Exports
Questions (155)
Bernard Durkan
Question:155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to prepare for the worst case scenario in respect of Brexit with particular reference to the establishment of new markets and or EU access to the United Kingdom market for food and food products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41712/18]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is working through whole of Government structures, with other Departments, to prepare contingency plans for Brexit. From an agri food perspective, this will include arrangements and resources to provide any necessary export certification for animals, plants, and products of animal and plant origin destined for the UK, and to facilitate transit arrangements through the UK to the rest of the EU. These plans are at an advanced stage.
The 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.
In terms of the European dimension to our response, additional funding that I have provided to Bord Bia has been used to support market diversification efforts by companies through its Market Prioritisation Programme, which was launched in late October 2016, and to support promotional campaigns for Irish beef in Germany and the Netherlands.
In addition, Bord Bia has been providing information to companies on how to establish a presence in other EU countries, and using its network of offices to build long-term relationships in those markets, including through participation in trade fairs. It has also recently opened a new office in Warsaw to expand its support in Eastern Europe, and in Singapore to service eight emerging markets in South East Asia.
Looking beyond Europe, Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa, the Americas 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.
Trade Missions play an important role in this regard, and I have been very active on this front in recent years as we strive to gain, and then develop, a presence in as many global markets as possible. I have led very successful missions to the Gulf Region, the US, Mexico, Japan and Korea in 2017, and to the US, Canada and China so far in 2018, with a further mission planned to Indonesia and Malaysia at the end of October. As normal, this latter mission will again include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as high-level political discussions.
These and the other missions that my Department are planning for the first half of 2019 will serve to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in these destinations. The destinations are also in keeping with the recent market prioritisation exercise that was completed by Bord Bia at my request. This exercise identified opportunities in new and more mature markets, and will provide valuable market intelligence both for industry operators and policy makers.
My Department will continue to seek out and identify new markets, and I am ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.
Fodder Crisis
Questions (156)
Bernard Durkan
Question:156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he is satisfied regarding the provision of emergency winter fodder supplies meeting the full requirement through winter 2018 and spring 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41713/18]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to inform the Deputy of the actions I have undertaken already to seek to ensure sufficient supplies of Fodder for the coming Winter and Spring 2019.
A survey of Fodder supplies in September indicated that the potential national fodder deficit has reduced from 18% this summer to 11%, with further reductions anticipated since this survey was conducted, as farmers continue to harvest fodder.
My priority is to support the conservation of as much fodder for the coming winter as possible from our own resources, and to supplement this with necessary imports as required. To achieve this I introduced a number of targeted measures:
I introduced a €2.75 million Fodder Production Incentive for Tillage Farmers to encourage tillage growers to actively engage in the fodder market and there has been positive engagement with this measure.
I announced a €4.25 million Fodder Import Support Measure for autumn 2018. The measure seeks to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage. While the measure will operate through the Co-operatives/registered importers, the actual beneficiaries will be farmers who need supplies of fodder.
Additionally, I also secured agreement from Commissioner Hogan to pay higher advance Pillar 1 and 2 payments which will be increased to 70% and 85% respectively, resulting in €260 million in additional cash flow for farmers at a vital time of the year.
Furthermore, following consultation with the EU Commission, my Department made some temporary adjustments to the GLAS scheme for this year and in consultation with my ministerial colleague Mr. Eoghan Murphy T.D., a two week extension of the closed period for the spreading of chemical and organic fertilisers was announced and has allowed farmers capitalise on autumn grass growth for fodder production.
I am confident that the range of measures introduced by me to date, taken together and targeted at producing as much fodder as possible from our own land, is the most effective response to ensuring adequate supplies ahead of the coming winter. However I can assure you that I will continue to closely monitor and engage on this significant challenge during the coming period.
Fodder Crisis
Questions (157)
Bernard Durkan
Question:157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the result of a recent assessment of projected fodder shortages throughout winter 2018 and spring 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41714/18]
View answerWritten answers
On the 26th June last I launched a national fodder survey to be compiled by Teagasc through its client network as well as clients of the other fodder group stakeholders. The results indicated a national fodder deficit of 18% at that time. A second survey was carried out on the first week of September and the results of that survey showed a national fodder deficit of 11%, with further reductions anticipated since this survey was conducted, as farmers continue to harvest fodder. A third survey is planned for November.
My priority is to support the conservation of as much fodder for the coming winter as possible from our own resources, and to supplement this with necessary imports as required. To achieve this I introduced a number of targeted measures including:
- I introduced a €2.75 million Fodder Production Incentive for Tillage Farmers to encourage tillage growers to actively engage in the fodder market and there has been positive engagement with this measure
- I announced a €4.25 million Fodder Import Support Measure for autumn 2018. The measure seeks to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage. While the measure will operate through the Co-operatives/registered importers, the actual beneficiaries will be farmers who need supplies of fodder
Additionally, I also secured agreement from Commissioner Hogan to
- pay higher advance Pillar 1 and 2 payments which will be increased to 70% and 85% respectively, resulting in €260 million in additional cash flow for farmers at a vital time of the year
- Furthermore, following consultation with the EU Commission, my Department made some temporary adjustments to the GLAS scheme for this year and in consultation with my ministerial colleague Mr. Eoghan Murphy T.D., a two week extension of the closed period for the spreading of chemical and organic fertilisers was announced and has allowed farmers capitalise on autumn grass growth for fodder production.
I am confident that the range of measures introduced by me to date, taken together and targeted at producing as much fodder as possible from our own land, is the most effective response to ensuring adequate supplies ahead of the coming winter. However I can assure you that I will continue to closely monitor and engage on this significant challenge during the coming period.
Climate Change Adaptation Plans
Questions (158, 159)
Bernard Durkan
Question:158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the agrifood sector can respond positively to climate change requirements such as reduction of greenhouse gases; the measures taken or likely to be taken in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41715/18]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions likely to contribute to greenhouse gas reduction throughout the agri-food sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41716/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.
The agri food sector is responding positively to climate change requirements through reducing emissions where possible, enhancing sequestration of carbon and providing renewable materials to other sectors. The long-term policy vision for the agriculture and land use sector as a whole is ‘an approach to carbon neutrality which does not compromise the capacity for sustainable food production’. The extent to which the sector can respond positively to climate change requirements is, however, qualified by the need to ensure that our capacity for sustainable food production is maintained.
The farming sector is actively engaging in a number of measures and actions focused on the environment and climate, which support the continued transition towards carbon neutrality. Some examples include the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP), which is aimed at lowering the intensity of GHG emissions by improving the quality and efficiency of the national beef herd, the Green Low Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme, which offers opportunities to support emission reductions and carbon sequestration through various environmental priority actions such as hedgerow/tree planting and minimum tillage, and the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS). This last scheme supports capital investment to promote sustainability such as low emissions slurry spreading equipment and energy efficiency support measures.
I have also just announced a new pilot scheme called - The Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot, which builds on the success of the BDGP. This new pilot scheme will be targeted at suckler farmers and specifically aimed at further improving the carbon efficiency of beef production by measuring the weaning efficiency of suckler cows.
Afforestation also has an important role to play. It is the main cost effective land based mitigation tool available to us. The role afforestation and forests play with respect to climate mitigation is threefold: the direct sequestration of carbon in the forest and resulting wood products, replacing energy intensive materials and providing sustainable renewable biomass to the energy sector. Since 1990 almost 312,000 hectares have been afforested primarily by farmers with supports from my Department, which represents a 40% increase in forest cover. It is intended to expand our overall forest estate from 11% to 18% by 2050.
My Department is deeply involved both at national and international level on issues related to agriculture and climate. We are engaging with organisations such as the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), the UNFCCC Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the EU Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use group.
On the home front we are engaged with colleagues across government in the National Mitigation planning process and adaptation planning.
Looking to the future, the recently published Teagasc report “An Analysis of Abatement Potential of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Irish Agriculture 2021-2030” highlights the potential for GHG abatement to limit the emissions from the sector over the period 2021 to 2030 based on current scientific knowledge against the likely level of future GHG emissions if no action is taken to address the emissions. It is an important piece of research that will inform developments in relation to future policy development.
Food Promotion
Questions (160)
Bernard Durkan
Question:160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he has engaged in overseas visits to promote food exports at various locations globally; the result of such promotions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41717/18]
View answerWritten answers
The 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, the Americas 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, there has been an increasing focus in recent years on the use of Trade Missions to create and develop export opportunities for the Irish agri-food sector. Taking the last two years by way of example, I first of all led a very successful Trade Mission in February 2017 to the Gulf Region. This covered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This was followed by an extensive Trade Mission to the US and Mexico in June. Both markets offer many aspects that are very attractive to Irish exporters. The US is the largest food and beverage market in the world and has a population of 324 million people. Around 35 million Americans also claim Irish ancestry. Mexico has a population of 127 million, making it the eleventh-largest country in the world in population terms and the fifteenth-largest economy in the world, with projections that it will move into the top five by 2050.
During a trade mission to Japan and South Korea in November 2017 I was accompanied by 40 representatives of the Irish food sector, as well as by experts from my Department, the CEO of Bord Bia and senior representatives from Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc.
This was a very opportune time to bring a delegation of Ireland’s food leaders to this part of the world, given that the EU has concluded a Free Trade Agreement with South Korea as well as agreeing an Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan. Japan and South Korea are markets of high potential for beef, pigmeat and sheepmeat exports, and so it is important that we raise the profile of Irish agri-food enterprises that already have access to these markets, and make progress in negotiating access for others.
This work has continued in 2018. I have already led trade missions to the US, Canada and China, and my Department is currently making the final arrangements for a further trade mission to Indonesia and Malaysia at the end of October. Again this will include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as high-level political discussions. Both of these markets have been identified by my Department as offering huge potential to the Irish agri-food sector.
These and the other missions that my Department are planning for the first half of 2019 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. The destinations are also in keeping with the recent market prioritisation exercise that was completed by Bord Bia at my request. This exercise identified opportunities in new and more mature markets, and will provide valuable market intelligence both for industry operators and policy makers.
It is also no coincidence that the destinations that we have recently visited and plan to visit are now some of the countries showing the greatest increase in growth, with the value of exports to Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central/South America standing at almost €2.8 billion in 2017. The value of trade to these markets increased by 159% since 2009. These markets now account for over 20% of total agri-food exports.
Growth to emerging markets has been led by Asia, with exports of €1.6 billion in 2017, of which around €1 billion went to China. Exports to other Asian markets grew by 85% since 2012 to €659 million in 2017. Trade to Africa has also grown to €606 million, while exports to the Middle East have also grown significantly, to reach €370 million.
My Department will continue to seek out and identify new markets, and I am ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.
Fishing Industry Data
Questions (161)
Bernard Durkan
Question:161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons involved in the fishing industry, including processing; the extent to which these numbers will be retained in the future notwithstanding Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41718/18]
View answerWritten answers
BIM advise that in 2017 there are 14,638 people employed around our coast through direct and indirect employment in the Irish seafood industry. The key priorities for Ireland and the EU27 in the context of fisheries and Brexit will be the maintenance of current access to fishing grounds in the UK zone in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal and the protection of Ireland’s existing quota shares which will in turn protect those involved in the industry. My continued objective is to ensure that the implications for fisheries are fully taken account of throughout the negotiations for a future EU-UK relationship.
In recent months, I have continued to have positive, regular meetings with my European colleagues, especially those from the group of 8 Member States whose fisheries are most impacted by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. I am also working closely with key stakeholders in the Irish fishing industry and am pleased at the level of unity on these key issues. The results of my engagement with the Barnier Task Force, in close collaboration with the Tánaiste are evident in the agreed EU position on fisheries.
In the context of the economic relationship, the European Council confirmed its readiness to start work towards a balanced, ambitious and wide-ranging free trade agreement (FTA). On fisheries, it is very welcome that the maintenance of reciprocal access to fishing waters and resources is proposed in the European Council Guidelines.
The actual agreement on a future relationship can only be finalised and concluded once the UK has become a third country, that is, after it leaves the EU on 29 March 2019. This is why a status quo transitional arrangement is so important. Of course, it is in the interest of everyone that a future relationship agreement is concluded as quickly as possible after the UK leaves the EU to provide certainty sooner rather than later.
It is very welcome that the European Council has proposed that the whole of the EU acquis will apply to the UK during the transition, which means that in the context of a Withdrawal Agreement the status quo will be preserved with the aim of avoiding any gaps or cliff edge effects between the UK leaving the EU and when a future relationship agreement enters into force.
I would like to assure the Deputy that, working together with the Tanaiste and his team and the Barnier Task Force, I will continue to work to ensure that negotiations on fisheries remain inextricably linked to the overall future relationship negotiations in order to protect our existing access rights and quota entitlements.
Overall, it is Ireland’s view that the EU27’s basic position should be to protect all EU fishing communities. While all parties would like higher quotas, the way to achieve that is to grow the stocks through sustainable management for the benefit of all.
Fish Exports
Questions (162)
Bernard Durkan
Question:162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent of fish consumption here to date; the degree to which promotion is ongoing to highlight the benefits thereof; the degree to which markets remain available for Irish exports in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41719/18]
View answerWritten answers
The seafood sector is an ever expanding and increasingly important element of our food exports and through the hard work of our producers in industry, my Department, Bord Bia and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, I hope to see this sector continue to grow. One of my priorities is to secure growth in our exports to EU and third countries which are increasingly important in this sector given the uncertainties arising from Brexit. It is for this reason that I led trade missions to the USA and Canada in February and March 2018, and also to China and Hong Kong in May 2018. I also attended Seafood Expo Global in Brussels in April 2018 to promote Irish seafood to international buyers.
BIM's Business of Irish Seafood report includes many highlights of Irish seafood in 2017 but of particular note is that the value of the sector surpassed €1 billion for the first time. The report identifies that there was a 4% increase in seafood consumed in Ireland with the market valued at €429 million, while Irish seafood and fisheries-related exports had a total value of €666 million. Irish seafood exports have grown in volume but exceptionally in value, demonstrating that our products can achieve better returns when we work collectively to target the right markets.
My Department, Bord Bia and Bord Iascaigh Mhara continue to work to build exports in emerging markets, secure higher added value business in core markets and build a vibrant home market for underutilised species. In 2018 my Department approved €2 million in additional funding from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to enhance Bord Bia's seafood promotion work. With this additional funding and in their efforts to increase exports of Irish seafood, Bord Bia has maintained stands at 8 international seafood exhibitions with over one million visitors getting to meet 65 Irish seafood processors exhibiting their produce. A series of studies in Asian markets have also been commissioned to identify, profile and prioritise the most attractive trade prospects. Point of sale and promotional Origin Green material is also being developed and tailored to the needs of these individual export markets.
With the aim of developing a vibrant home market Bord Bia ran the "Flex your mussels" campaign in June 2018 highlighting how easy mussels are to prepare and to educate on the health benefits that come from eating mussels. Strong sales uplifts were reported as a result of this campaign. A second national mussel promotion has been announced to run from 22 October to 4 November 2018.
I am advised that Bord Bia is currently working on a new strategy for domestic promotions for 2019 to 2021 with a focus on whitefish that is caught off our coast and landed here at Irish fishing ports, namely Whiting, Hake and Haddock. This strategy will be developed in consultation with industry, retail and food service customers and Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
Poultry Industry
Questions (163)
Bernard Durkan
Question:163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which poultry production continues and is likely to do so notwithstanding global market interventions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41720/18]
View answerWritten answers
The poultry sector plays a very important role within the Irish agri-food sector, supporting approximately 6,000 jobs, mainly in rural areas.
Irish poultry production reached record highs in 2017, with 95.5m birds slaughtered in export-approved plants. This represented an increase of 3.9% compared to 2016, with most of the increase evident in broiler and duck production.
To the end of September 2018, Irish poultry production has continued to rise, increasing by 1.8m birds, or 2.6% compared to last year. It is expected that total production for the year will come in at just under 100m birds.
The value of Irish poultry exports in 2017 increased by 3% to an estimated €278million (CSO trade data), with the United Kingdom accounting for some 80% of this figure in value terms. Other EU markets now account for almost 10% of Irish exports, with France leading the way. Growth has also been evident in trade with Scandinavia and Spain. Exports to third country markets now amounts to 10% of export totals, with South Africa showing the biggest growth for Irish exporters.
Food Exports
Questions (164, 165)
Bernard Durkan
Question:164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of beef exported in each of the past three years to date; the extent to which this is likely to continue notwithstanding external factors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41721/18]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of lamb exports over the past three years to various export markets; the extent to which he expects this to continue notwithstanding external market changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41722/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.
I am firmly committed to increasing market access and opportunities for all Irish agri-food exports around the world. Total agri-food exports amounted to €13.6 billion in 2017, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) trade statistics, an increase of 74% since 2009.
CSO Trade statistics for beef and sheep meat exports 2015-2017 are detailed in the table:
|
- |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
|
|
Beef |
2,209,065 |
2,267,383 |
2,406,834 |
|
Sheepmeat |
241,893 |
277,106 |
310,872 |
According to the CSO trade statistics, by the end of July 2018 beef exports were approx €1.4 billion, an increase of 4% in value terms compared to the same period in 2017. According to the CSO trade statistics, by the end of July 2018 sheepmeat exports were approx €180 million, an increase of 3% in value terms compared to the same period in 2017.
My officials continue to work towards opening and enhancing access to as many markets as possible. This is a key part of our response to the challenges and uncertainty posed by Brexit, and is in line with the market development theme of the Food Wise 2025 strategy. Opening new markets involves a wide range of detailed work taking place across a range of levels including political, diplomatic, technical and official levels.
I am delighted that already in 2018 the Chinese market has opened to Irish beef. Three Irish beef establishments were approved to export to China in April and a further three Irish beef establishments were approved in June following on from my Trade Mission to China in May. Beef access has been achieved as a result of huge effort by Team Ireland; Ministers, Departmental officials, the Irish Embassy in Beijing and agencies including Bord Bia over several years. Beef exports to China have now commenced. My Department has also recently agreed Veterinary Health Certificates for the export of beef, sheepmeat and poultry to both Kuwait and Qatar. These certificates apply for meat and meat products and are a result of a joined-up effort between my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in particular the Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, also accredited to Kuwait and Qatar.
I hope that these new markets will positively contribute towards another successful year for the Irish beef & sheepmeat industry and our exports. However, the role of the Department is to open up new markets and increase opportunities, while taking advantage of these new markets and availing of these new opportunities is a matter for the industry themselves.
I recently launched an online international market access information portal which provides information across some of the major agri-food export sectors of dairy, meat, seafood and live animals. The information provided includes certification arrangements, exporter terms and conditions, individual country trading statistics and the typical products exported to individual markets. This portal is a very valuable tool for our producers and exporters. As new markets are opened or certification conditions are changed, this will of course be reflected by the necessary changes to the web portal. The portal can be accessed at www.marketaccess.agriculture.gov.ie/.
Pigmeat Sector
Questions (166)
Bernard Durkan
Question:166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of pig meat exports over the past three years to various export markets; the extent to which he expects this to continue, notwithstanding external market changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41723/18]
View answerWritten answers
Last year the total value of pig meat exports, taking account of all pigmeat including prepared and preserved, was more than €793 million; an increase from €733 million in 2016. Additionally, in volume terms, exports rose by over 10 million tonnes growing from 265.3 million tonnes in 2016 to 277.1million tonnes in 2017.
In terms of continuation of these trends, expanding market access remains a key priority for my Department. My officials continue to work in tandem with industry stakeholders and Bord Bia towards increasing market diversification by opening and enhancing access to as many international markets as possible, and maintaining and developing key account relationships across emerging markets. This is a key part of our response to the challenges and uncertainty posed by Brexit, and is in line with the market development theme of the Food Wise 2025 strategy.
The following table, based on CSO data, shows the total pigmeat exports and exports to some of Ireland's key markets from 2015 - 2017.
|
|
2015 |
|
2016 |
|
2017 |
|
|
Country |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
|
Total |
669,771 |
242,174 |
733,933 |
265,353 |
793,079 |
277,176 |
|
EU |
509,469 |
154,845 |
530,841 |
158,600 |
594,112 |
175,807 |
|
Of which United Kingdom (incl. GB and NI) |
402,165 |
97,262 |
411,124 |
103,781 |
444,753 |
117,072 |
|
Non-EU |
160,301 |
87,329 |
203,092 |
106,753 |
198,967 |
101,349 |
|
Of which China |
80,863 |
53,069 |
121,558 |
74,766 |
102,472 |
64,915 |
|
Of which United States |
27,465 |
6,827 |
25,427 |
6,360 |
19,021 |
4,860 |