Vol. 536 No. 3
102 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will publish advice that he has received in respect of market trends for the agriculture industry arising from the foot and mouth crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13937/01]
Since the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, I have made numerous public statements on the actual and potential market impacts of the disease. In particular, I and my officials have regularly provided detailed information on the reaction of foreign markets as events have unfolded. My objective throughout the period has been to ensure trade continued to be possible whether by means of the adoption where possible of a regionalised approach to the outbreak or by the provision of appropriate certification. In that context my Department has worked in close collaboration with the industry.
In terms of more general market trends, I have previously said that the advice available to me at this point indicates that the impact of FMD on the beef sector has been limited, due in large part to the fact that many foreign markets were already closed due to concerns about BSE and that the market is being supported by the purchase for destruction scheme. The interruption of normal slaughterings in the UK and Netherlands have created additional market opportunities for Irish beef in these countries. For sheepmeat there have also been some positive market impacts, because of the export ban on sheepmeat from the UK, and this has led to a significant rise in prices for Irish product. While the dairy sector was initially affected by some restrictions, most markets are accepting product based on suitable certification from my Department as to the origin, production process and heat treatment. Pig prices have now stabilised throughout the EU at quite a high level with good margins being obtained. While the FMD crisis has resulted in the banning of exports of Irish pigmeat to both Japan and USA, every effort will be made to restore our exports to these valuable third country destinations.
As the crisis eases, the situation should broadly return to its pre-FMD trend.
