Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 March 2022
467. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor production costs in the poultry sector with particular reference to the need to ensure a stable cost base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17298/22]
View answerWithin my Department, I have established a high-level committee to deal with issues arising out of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.
My officials are continuing to engage closely with the various industry sectors to monitor the identified risks and work towards mitigation actions where possible and appropriate. I have tasked a National Fodder and Food Security Committee to prepare an industry response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.
Furthermore, my Department continues to engage at EU level to ensure a joined-up EU approach to the challenges, including through the European Food Security Crisis preparedness response Mechanism (EFSCM).
Poultrymeat, which is a food in high protein, has seen an increase in demand in recent years. Irish production reached record levels in 2020, with a total of 111 million birds processed in Department approved establishments. Poultry throughput for 2021 comes in slightly down on 2020 (-1.1%) with a total of 110.4 million birds slaughtered, of which 90.4% were chickens.
Prices at end of February 2022 for poultry meat were 221.52 cents/kg, seeing an increase of 7 cents/kg on the same period of 2021, the current price of 221.52 cents/kg is the highest levels seen in recent years.
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. My Department will continue to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector.
