Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:397 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the prospects for the beef sector in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39865/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 13 December 2011
Ceisteanna (387)
Freagraí scríofa
The market for the beef sector is very good at present with cattle prices up over 15%-18% on average for all categories of animals over 2010. With the supply of cattle expected to continue to be tight into the first 6 to 8 months of 2012, with Irish and EU production forecast to be down between 3%-5%, we expect the prospects for the returns from the sector to remain strong.
On the trade side the expected contraction of UK production by 6% in 2012 will provide further opportunities for Irish producers. The UK remains our largest export market which together with continental Europe accounts for 97% of beef exports. For third country trade, prospects will be impacted by developments in Turkey and Russia and from imports from the Mercosur region which are down by 17% to date in 2011. While some slight increase in production is expected in Argentina, Australia and Brazil these will be offset by reduction in US beef production due to higher feed prices.
In order to support the sector in responding to the needs of the marketplace the long term development plan for the sector is set out in the relevant part of the Food Harvest 2020 report. Among the measures that my Department will be implementing in response to the requirements of Food Harvest 2020 are continued support for the Suckler Cow welfare scheme. Some €25 million has been allocated for the scheme in 2012. Also I have been able to secure €5 million in funding for a beef technology adoption programme. This programme will be modelled on the successful dairy group concept, and my department is, at present, working with Teagasc to put the final technical and administrative arrangements in place.