Vol. 507 No. 4
11 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps, if any, he is taking to reassure the US market for Irish pigmeat that the current Belgian food scare is not connected with Irish exports; the indications, if any, that the US market is resisting Irish pigmeat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16939/99]
Following the dioxin scare in Belgium, the USA imposed a ban on all EU imports of pigmeat. After official assurances were given by my Department in relation to the non-import of Belgian feed and on the basis of results of laboratory analysis on pork, provided by my Department, the US authorities have lifted the restriction on Irish products. The action taken by the US is evidence that international customers have confidence that Irish agriculture and food products are of the highest standard.
At the time this question was sub mitted Ireland's £5 million pigmeat export trade was disrupted as a result of the US ban imposed after the Belgian food scare. I compliment An Bord Bia which has worked hard in recent days to inform customers in the USA and other markets that Irish pork is in no way associated with the Belgian food scare. Does the Minister of State know the cost to the Irish economy of this temporary ban on pigmeat or if the ban had any impact on farmers and beef exporters? Are there plans for the Department on its own account or in partnership with An Bord Bia to expand the promotion of quality assured Irish food abroad? In that way, if there is a food scare in other EU countries, Ireland will not suffer. That is the kernel of the problem that has arisen.
The Deputy asked if I could quantify the loss to Irish pig producers and to the economy. It is not possible to do so now, however, because pigmeat prices are rising and a scarcity has arisen from the depression of last year. As regards quality, the Deputy can be assured that Bord Bia's work in guaranteeing products is second to none. People are confident of Irish products which are well known abroad for their safety and quality. We have a substantial market in the United States. In 1996 we exported approximately 1,700 tonnes at a value of £4.5 million, and last year we exported approximately 3,000 tonnes, worth close to £6.5 million. The food market represents a growth area and our products are very acceptable in North America where they are regarded as being even better than the indigenous ones.
Is it the Minister's perception, as it is mine, that the US ban was really imposed because it is part of the threatened trade war between the USA and Europe? Is that the kernel of the issue?
It is a difficult question to answer. With the over-supply of bacon and pork around the world, and the fact that America has been to the forefront in increasing production, the United States was probably looking to its own markets where imports were causing difficulties. There has been a major expansion of pig numbers internationally and we are suffering from the depression in the market which that has caused. There has been a temporary lift, however, and I hope it will be more than temporary.
Is the Minister of State satisfied, not only in the pig sector, but in the meat sector generally, that enough is being spent on promotion to ensure that when a problem arises in some other area, we will be recognised as a quality food producer? Sufficient money should be spent to ensure that our produce is recognised as being of premium quality, thus avoiding any major fallout from problems in other countries.
Problems can arise like light ning, as the Deputy is aware, and when this occurs there is an immediate move to eradicate the cause of the scare. Finance and expertise are available to protect and promote products. A contingency fund is available at all times, which applies to pigmeat also. The Deputy is well aware of this from his experience as a practical farmer in the beef sector. He was also involved with CBF at one time, is that correct?
For seven years.
The Deputy is in a better position to educate me, than I am to inform him, because he has been at the coalface of that business.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): It would be difficult to educate the Minister of State, as he knows so much.
Bord Bia does excellent work. In defence of the board, its executives and staff, it has a budget of £20 million, which is minimal given that it sells £45 billion worth of Irish foodstuffs abroad and a total volume of £8 billion on this island. Funds are scarce and contributions are hard to get, but if one has money one can do the business. We are marketing our goods in competition with some of the world's major countries which have huge budgets for this purpose. That is part of the problem that exists. The Deputy's question is very relevant but it is all about resources.
Much more money is needed.
