Ivor Callely
Ceist:379 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the likely impact, if any, of the BSE crisis on exports to Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22148/96]
Written Answers. - Beef Crisis.
Ivor Callely
Ceist:380 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the likely impact of BSE on the Irish food sector trade; the measure, if any, he has considered in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22149/96]
Ivor Callely
Ceist:381 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the top ten beef export markets; the volume and value of such markets; the likely volume and value of such markets in each of the years 1996 and 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22150/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 379, 380 and 381 together.
The fall in beef consumption within the EU and the changes in third country imports since the BSE crisis erupted last March have affected our beef exports and accordingly the overall Irish food sector trade. The main impact of the BSE crisis on the beef trade has been a reduction in our exports to EU markets which have been compensated by increased exports to third country markets and sales into intervention. Irish beef exports to EU countries are forecast to fall by 32 per cent in 1996 compared to 1995 while exports to third country markets are expected to rise by 23 per cent. Russia is our most important export market, having increased to an estimated 140,000 tonnes. Sales of Irish beef into intervention to date this year amount to approximately 50,000 tonnes. It is not possible to predict the value or volume of exports to individual markets in 1997 but it is hoped that the strong performance achieved this year will be maintained.
Since the beginning of the crisis various measures have been put in place to stabilise the industry at both production and processing level to maintain export markets and to restore consumer confidence. I am making every effort to seek the reopening of the few remaining markets that remain closed — notably Iran and Libya.
To address the oversupply situation in the market the Council of Ministers has agreed to measures which will apply over the next two years. In addition, proposals on identification and labelling have been tabled by the EU Commission and I will be striving to have these proposals advanced in the Council during the Irish Presidency. These measures along with an adequately EU funded promotion campaign should strengthen consumer confidence in beef.
Following is the detailed information requested by the Deputy. The volume and value of the top ten beef markets in 1996 is estimated as follows:
|
Volume (t) |
Value (£m) |
|
|
Russia |
140,000 |
280 |
|
UK |
60,000 |
110 |
|
France |
40,000 |
70 |
|
Scandinavia |
20,000 |
36 |
|
Egypt |
20,000 |
35 |
|
Italy |
18,000 |
36 |
|
Netherlands |
18,000 |
36 |
|
Iran |
15,000 |
25 |
|
S. Arabia |
15,000 |
25 |
|
S. Africa |
10,000 |
15 |
(Source: An Bord Bia).