Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
579. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to market the forecasted increase in Irish cattle and beef supplies being promoted by processors and others at viable prices to producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30346/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Beef Forum at its meetings has been monitoring the expected numbers of cattle to be slaughtered this year. We estimate that an extra 60,000 to 80,000 cattle will be slaughtered in Ireland towards the end of the year. Currently the kill is up 51,000 head or 4.3%.
In these circumstances it is critically important that the industry exploits all possible market opportunities to maximise the value of this output. My Department and its agencies can of course play a significant role in the promotion of Irish produce and in ensuring that Irish exporters have access to as many markets as possible worldwide. For example, just this week I attended the SIAL event in Paris, which is one of the largest food fairs in the world. I also met with leading UK retailers to assure them of the continued commitment of the Irish food sector, including the beef sector, to trade in the UK.
In September, along with Minister of State Andrew Doyle T.D., I lead a major trade mission to China, Vietnam, South Korea and Singapore, and market access for Irish beef was a focus of the political and technical discussions countries during that mission. My Department's market access unit is engaged with a number of other third countries with a view to providing wider market opportunity for Irish exporters.
My department also provides the funding for Bord Bia's activities in this area. Bord Bia has a crucial role to play in providing strategic market development, promotion and information services, informed by fresh market insight, to assist companies in identifying and development of new business. It has have been very proactive in recent years in its promotion of Irish Beef in Europe and further afield. Irish beef is now stocked in over 75 major retailers across Europe and this number will hopefully continue to grow.
In Budget 2017 I have provided additional funds for Bord Bia for market development measures to assist companies to maintain positions in existing markets and to identify new market opportunities. Two new Bord Bia offices were opened this year, in Singapore and Warsaw, strengthening our position in these markets. All Bord Bia activities, including market research, promotion of quality products, trade fairs, assisting companies with business opportunities, making new connections, promotion networks and clusters, will be focused on achieving good outcomes for companies facing great challenges and radically changed trading conditions.
Live exports are also a priority for me given the crucial role this outlet can play for our beef producers. Next month, I intend to lead a Trade Mission to Morocco and Algeria, with a focus on live cattle exports amongst other things. Live cattle exports to Turkey also commenced last month following our recent approval to export live cattle there.
