Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2017
308. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to explore the potential for high quality food and food products on world markets, with particular reference to all aspects of the industry including the mushroom industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12729/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025 and with a view to ameliorating the impact of Brexit , Minister Doyle and I led Trade Missions to Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore and China in early September 2016. I also led a trade mission to Morocco in early November. During 2016 senior officials also led missions to Iran, Turkey and Algeria. This was done in co-operation with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland.
Last week I led a Trade Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The mission served to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. I used the opportunity to promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products in the Gulf region.
European and UK markets remain very important to Irish food producers . In the case of the mushroom industry the UK market has been key to development. It is currently a challenging market due to the weakness of sterling and my Department and the development agencies are working closely with the mushroom sector to examine the potential for application of lean manufacturing principles, which have been found useful by other sectors, might be of benefit. Promotion campaign undertaken by Bord Bia under the EU promotion regime have been successful in increasing demand in the UK.
Looking ahead , I am considering a range of other destinations for the remainder of 2017, although no decision has yet been made in terms of content or timing. Again, markets in Asia, Africa and America are likely to feature prominently in these considerations, and I am of course ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.
