Written Answers. - Export Markets.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
64
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of overseas markets for meat and dairy products; the number of new markets available or reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4986/02]
In the course of 2001 beef exports to continental EU and third country markets have been adversely affected by the BSE crisis in mainland Europe late last year. While no BSE related restrictions on Irish beef or beef products have been imposed by the EU Commission or by an EU member state loss of consumer confidence in beef has led to reduced beef consumption in mainland Europe. While exports to continental markets fell substantially during that year, I am happy to say that decline has been offset by increased beef exports to the UK. Exports to this market came to about double the levels achieved in 2000 and the indications are that this level of trade will continue for the foreseeable future.
Beef consumption in the EU as a whole is steadily recovering from the serious collapse which took place in late 2000. This is due to a restoration of confidence in the product as a result of measures taken at EU level. Also, the market support measures put in place to deal with the overhang of product on the market have had a useful effect in helping to restore balance. All of this will help Ireland's efforts to regain its former levels of sales to the markets in question.
Efforts at political, diplomat and technical levels are continuing to secure the reopening of important third country markets, most of which were closed to us following the BSE crisis last year. Earlier this year the Russian market for Irish beef, which was closed following the foot and mouth disease crisis reopened. My Department, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs and An Bord Bia, has worked intensively to point out to the authorities in those markets the level and effectiveness of the controls in place in Ireland and to emphasise the guarantees in relation to food safety that we can offer to consumers of Irish beef. Particular attention was given to Egypt as our largest single market for beef exports. We have been successful in regaining access to this significantly important market. It is hoped that the reopening of the Egyptian market will help towards the reopening of other important markets in the region and elsewhere. Efforts towards this end are continuing.
Ireland exports the vast bulk of its milk products into the EU internal market, the principal markets being the UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and France. Belgium and Italy are also valuable markets for Irish products. Further afield Ireland has developed a broad range of export markets, chief amongst these being in Asia and Latin America, with the US being the principal third country destination for casein and caseinates.
Dairy consumption worldwide is forecast to grow by 2% per annum between now and 2006, with significant growth expected in Asia, Latin America and possibly Central and Eastern Europe. Ireland is well placed to take advantage of this expected growth in the world dairy trade.
Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 56.
