Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
696. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department has reviewed the future prospects for Irish pig meat with particular reference to market penetration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60489/21]
View answerThe pig sector has shown exceptional growth over the last decade. It is the third largest agrifood sector, accounting for 6.3% of the output value of the agrifood sector and generated exports of €893 million in 2020; this compares to an export value of €330 million in 2010. Export growth to international markets has been particularly strong.
Production saw an increase of 4.2% to over 3.5 million head in 2020 and currently year to date 2021 slaughter figures are 4.9% higher than the same period of 2020.
In 2020, the main export destinations, in order of magnitude, were: China, Great Britain, Germany, Japan, Denmark, Northern Ireland and Australia. Cumulatively, those seven countries, representing a good mixture of EU and non-EU markets, accounted for 83 per cent of pigmeat exports in volume terms and 85 per cent in value terms.
My Department continues to support the Irish pigmeat sector and facilitate its development by prioritising market access both through maintaining existing markets and pursuing access to new ones.
In May 2020, for example, the Mexican market was opened for raw frozen pigmeat. Securing access was the successful culmination of engagement with internal and external stakeholders over several years.
My officials continue to work towards increasing market diversification by opening and improving access to as many international markets as possible.
The short-term outlook for the pigmeat market will be influenced by global supply and demand dynamics as well as by potential disruptions to supply chains.
Ensuring the continued operation of Irish food supply chains and expanding market access remain key priorities for my Department and my officials are continuing to monitor the current market situation closely.
