Denis Naughten
Question:20. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a State owned and controlled beef blockchain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60288/21]
View answerThursday, 9 December 2021
Questions (20)
Written answers
I am confident that the food safety controls and traceability systems operated by my Department in cooperation with other relevant agencies, particularly the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, can provide assurances to the consumers of Irish beef, wherever they may be in the world, that the highest standards of safety and traceability are upheld and enforced.
With regard to traceability in particular, the national bovine herd already has a robust traceability system. My Department's Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) system records and maintains the identification and movement data in respect of cattle and other livestock in accordance with the requirements of EU and national law.
With regard to the blockchain concept and its applicability to the beef sector, I would agree that this technology certainly has potential for the future. I know some sectors are further advanced than others in examining the benefits such a blockchain approach could bring. It is important that we examine all options open to us to futureproof the sector.
However, I have no current plans to develop a State owned and controlled blockchain in any sector. In the first instance, any proof of concept or feasibility analysis with respect to implementing blockchain in the beef supply chain would need to be driven primarily by the sector supply chain actors, to ensure appropriate buy-in and successful implementation.
Secondly, in terms of my Department's regulatory role, as I have outlined this already operates in full compliance with EU and national legislation, and it is unclear what additionality, if any, blockchain could bring to these regulatory requirements.
More generally, the Deputy will be aware that I have taken a number of important initiatives aimed at increasing transparency in the food supply chain. In early September I signed into law a Statutory Instrument which will give effect in Irish law to additional price reporting obligations which will aim to improve food market price transparency in the EU.
I believe increased price reporting to be an important tool, along with other initiatives including the establishment of the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Enforcement Authority, and support for Producer Organisations, in strengthening the position of primary producers.
My Department is also progressing the drafting of legislation needed to establish the new Office of the Food Ombudsman or equivalent, which will have a specific role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland, as well as enforcing the UTP Directive.
Preparations are currently under way to establish a new stakeholder engagement forum on the key strategic issues facing the beef sector and further details will be announced in due course. Ensuring there is a long-term, sustainable and viable future for our suckler and beef farmers is a key priority of mine as Minister.