Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:115 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has for the development and expansion of the pigmeat industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5500/99]
Written Answers. - Pigmeat Sector.
The Irish pigmeat industry has developed over the past few years into an industry capable of holding its own in a highly competitive international market. The hygiene and quality standards at producer and processor level are such that they compare favourably with those at EU level and beyond.
It is my objective that the industry should continue to develop by ongoing improvement in standards, further development of its product portfolio and consolidation and increase of its share of the domestic and export market. The support of An Bord Bia through market promotion and through the operation of its quality assurance scheme will contribute to this endeavour. The recently published report of the food industry development group outlines the priorities for future investment in the sector.
A strategy group, representative of all interests within the sector, has been set up under the chairmanship of the Minister of State, Deputy O'Keeffe to examine pig health and welfare, environmental aspects, public health and food safety, production and processing efficiency, and trade and marketing.
As regards EU market support, it is my objective to ensure as far as possible that the common organisation of the EU pigmeat market is operated in such a way as to best suit the needs of the Irish pigmeat sector by safeguarding producer incomes and allowing the industry develop to its full potential.