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Poultry Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020

Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Questions (864)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

864. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which prospects for the poultry industry here remain good with particular reference to the home market and export outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42073/20]

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Written answers

As a value-for-money source of protein-rich food, poultrymeat has seen an increase in demand in recent years. The past decade has seen ever increasing levels of poultry meat production, with the annual slaughter figure rising by 20% to reach 106 million head and the tonnage of production rising by 20% to reach 160,800 tonnes in 2019.  Ireland exports poultry to over 30 countries worldwide.

The overall value of Irish poultry exports increased by 12% between 2016 and 2019 (€294 million). The value of poultry going to third country markets almost doubled in the same period. In 2019 the UK remained the single biggest destination market for Irish poultry exports, with South Africa the second most important destination accounting for 10% in vlaue and 22% in volume of poultry exports. This is positive evidence of increasing diversification.

As in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term. While the outlook for the sector remains broadly positive, the sector continues to face challenges including the ongoing uncertainty around Covid-19 and Brexit. Ensuring the continued operation of Irish food supply chains and expanding market access remain key priorities for my Department.

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