Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
588. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the future for Irish lamb remains attractive in both the export and domestic markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35532/23]
View answerI am very conscious of the important role that prime lamb production plays in the continued growth and development of our agri-food sector.
For that reason, my Department provides significant support to the sector under the new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), both through the Sheep Improvement Scheme and through the broad range of CSP schemes for which sheep farmers are eligible.
The Sheep Improvement Scheme supports farmers carrying out actions that improve animal health and welfare, including through the targeted application of genomic technologies. Other CSP schemes such as the ACRES and Organic Farming schemes are particularly suited to sheep enterprises or mixed beef and sheep enterprises, and will provide higher direct payments to sheep farmers.
Additionally, I have supported livestock farmers in dealing with increased costs over the last year by introducing a fodder incentive scheme, a national liming programme and a package to encourage the sowing of multi-species swards and red clover.
Bolstered by these supports, Irish sheep farmers produce a safe, sustainable, high-quality product that is in demand across many global markets. Ireland exported sheep meat to over 30 markets last year, which is a mark of the world-class product produced on our farms.
Sheep production is a vital source of income for many farmers and provides the raw material for the export of over 66,000 tonnes of sheepmeat worth €453m last year. Imports during the same period amounted to 9,000 tonnes and were worth €59m.
Approximately 15% of the lamb produced in Ireland is consumed domestically, with the balance being exported. Bord Bia is intensifying its marketing and promotion of Irish lamb this year through its activities in domestic and export markets. For example, an additional lamb campaign in the domestic market focused in particular on attracting younger consumers to eating lamb. Further, television advertising campaigns from September to October will coincide with peak supply months. However, we must continue to look at the global picture, with sheep export markets remaining critical.
Over the past decade, the Department has agreed bilateral sheep meat export certificates for many international markets, most recently with Japan in 2019 and the US in 2022.
In that context, I will continue to support sheepmeat exports through work towards expanding market access and my Department's funding of Bord Bia’s marketing activities nationally and internationally.
