Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 October 2016
163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department expect to be in a position to pursue and secure new markets for Irish exports, with particular reference to the challenges arising from Brexit; if he expects to utilise a multifaceted approach in this endeavour regardless of deadlines associated with Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32482/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish food and drink is sold in more than 175 markets worldwide. The value of these exports increased to €10.8 billion last year, which represented a 3% increase on 2015.
The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry's strategy for development over the coming decade. Indeed, this is all the more relevant after the UK's decision to leave the EU, which presents significant new challenges for the agri-food sector in particular.
Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region. This is where our efforts will be focused for the foreseeable future, particularly given the need to diversify our markets and to reduce our reliance on traditional destinations such as the UK.
I am following up on this in a very real and practical way through my participation in an ambitious Trade Mission agenda, which is being rolled out in co-operation with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland. For example, I led a very successful Trade Mission to China and Singapore in early September, at around the same time that my colleague, Minister of State Andrew Doyle, was leading another very successful mission to Vietnam and Korea. I will also be visiting Algeria and Morocco next week at the head of another very strong Trade Mission, and this will be followed by a visit to the Gulf region at the end of November. It is also my intention to continue this activity through further strategically targeted visits in 2017, and I am of course also ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.
