Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2023
248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the poultry production sector here remains viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47215/23]
View answerI am very aware of the contribution of the poultry production sector to Irish agri-food as a whole, supporting significant levels of direct employment as well as their role in supporting rural economies and the wider national economy.
Poultrymeat, which is a high protein food source, has seen an increase in demand in recent years. Alongside this increased demand, prices have also risen. The average price in the January - August period of 2023 was 7.16% higher when compared to the average price paid for the same period in 2022. The 2023 price was 17.33% and 16.99% higher than the average price paid in the January - August period in 2020 and 2021 respectively indicating a very positive trend.
Poultry throughput for 2022 was slightly down on 2021 (-2.45%) with a total of 107.7 million birds processed. However exports were up in both value and volume. 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. CSO figures, released for August 2023, show that the volume of poultry meat exports rose by 5.47% to 100,737 tonnes in 2022 and the monetary value of Irish poultry exports for 2022 rose by 30.99% to just over €315.107m, when compared to 2021 figures, which were 95,516 tonnes and €240.555m respectively.
The UK (€247m) continued to be the primary destination for exports and accounted for 78.39% of 2022 total exports in terms of value (€). The Netherlands (€19.6m), France (€9.08m) and Germany (€7.09m) also featured prominently as Poultry Meat export destinations in 2022. Securing market access and diversifying trade remains a key aim for my Department. Developing market opportunities at home and abroad is one of the goals of Food Vision 2030.
I am aware of the pressures being faced by many in the agri-food sector due to the increase in input costs, exacerbated by the impact of the illegal war in Ukraine. The Government provided welcome supports in response to the cost of living crisis, including the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme. The Department continues to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector.
I firmly believe that the poultry production sector in Ireland remains viable.
