Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 May 2017
229. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he has explored alternative opportunities for Irish food produce on world markets with particular reference to the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21337/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025, I and Minister Doyle led trade missions to China, Singapore, Vietnam and South Korea in September 2016. In November I also led a trade mission to Morocco which was extended at senior official level to include Algeria. Earlier in 2016, senior officials accompanied a Bord Bia trade mission to Iran, and travelled on to Turkey and met with officials to discuss trade of live animals.
In February 2017 I also led a very successful Trade Mission to the Gulf Region. This covered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
My Department is currently working with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland in making arrangements for other destinations for the remainder of 2017, although no final 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. These missions will again include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as political discussions with my counterparts in the host countries.
I have also hosted a number of high level visits from countries outside of the EU including, most recently, the Chinese Minister for Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, and the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, and their delegations.
These missions and visits will serve to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in these destinations. It will also promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products.
