Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2017
303. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to encourage the growth of the food producing sector here in line with general economic expansion and the success of this sector over the past number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12723/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFood Wise 2025, the ten year strategy for the agrifood sector, identifies opportunities and challenges facing the sector and provides an enabling strategy to allow the sector to grow and prosper. It includes recommendations on the cross-cutting themes of sustainability, innovation, human capital, market development and competitiveness; as well as specific sectoral recommendations. Driving the implementation of these recommendations, particularly on market development, competitiveness and innovation as well as moving up the value chain, will assume even greater importance in the light of the UK decision.
Diversification of exports remains a key focus. Over half of the growth in Irish food and drink exports since 2010 has come from markets outside of the European Union. This includes a six fold increase in exports to China, more than doubling of trade to North America and South East Asia and an increase of almost 40% in the value of exports to the Middle East and Africa. The value of exports to EU markets other than the UK increased by 40% since 2010 led by growth to Germany, France, Poland, Northern Europe and the Netherlands.
The UK is expected to remain just 60% self-sufficient in food and therefore will continue to have a significant import requirement post Brexit. Bord Bia activities in the UK market are focused on working with key customers to deepen existing relationships and identifying opportunities to meet emerging needs in the market.
In relation to other European and international markets Bord Bia has adopted an Insights driven approach to identifying new opportunities, backed up by in-market activities to help companies identify potential leads and develop new business opportunities. These activities include 24 international Trade Fairs in 2017 which will attract over 1 million buyers, increased market presence through new offices in Singapore and Warsaw and increased resources in Africa.
Activities undertaken are developed and implemented in close consultation with industry.
Given the rate of population growth in many emerging regions, the corresponding growth in demand for food and limited self-sufficiency, import demand for food products continues to grow. Irish exporters have been successful at establishing a good understanding of the market requirements in regions such as Asia, Africa and the Middle East and are well placed to avail of further growth opportunities as they emerge over the coming years. The further growth anticipated in dairy output, the continued drive of the meat sector to deliver added value solutions and the potential for growth in beverages, seafood and prepared foods all point to further growth potential.
