Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2017
46. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he has identified new opportunities for the export of beef, dairy, lamb and pigmeat; if there are particular opportunities in this regard arising from changing global trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41670/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of my key priorities is to further increase the market opportunities for Irish food and drink internationally. We are an exporting nation, with 90% of our food produce leaving the island. Only through further increasing our footprint internationally will we help to mitigate the effects of Brexit and develop our agrifood sector to realise its full potential.
As outlined in Foodwise 2025, and has been demonstrated by the OECD and FAO, there is a rising demand globally for animal proteins, particularly in emerging economies in Asia and Africa and we are looking to build on and to further develop opportunities in these regions. We are also aware of the potential to grow Irish market share in countries which consume significant animal protein already, such as Canada, the United States and Mexico. The current uncertainty about Brexit brings home the importance of diversification and this is also driving our efforts to develop alternative outlets for our major commodities.
Earlier this year I developed the seven-point action plan to increase market access and exports and work under these actions is underway. These actions have included an intensification of the programme of Trade Missions. Following on from a very successful Mission to the USA and Mexico in June, planning is underway for another Trade Mission to Japan and South Korea in November. These are key potential meat and dairy markets and market access is being pursued for beef in South Korea and sheepmeat in Japan.
To further guide activities Bord Bia was tasked with identifying priority new markets for Irish food and drink. This work is underway and the initial results are feeding into the Department now. More detailed analysis will follow and the output of this exercise will provide valuable market intelligence both for industry operators and policy makers.
Furthermore, as part of a major market diversification drive I recently announced additional funding of €6.7 million to Bord Bia. This is additional to previous funding granted in 2016 and 2017. This includes a programme for market promotion and supports in international, UK and other EU markets.
In addition, my Department is actively pursuing increased market access for a range of products across a range of countries, including China and South Korea. To this end, we have had inspection visits from both China and South Korea in recent months. The feedback from both inspection teams was broadly positive as we move closer to having access for beef approved for these markets. My Department is also working to broaden existing Market access and has a number of successful outcomes recently including changes to the veterinary certification for beef to South Africa and Singapore which has broaden access and opportunities for export.
My Department will continue to work with the meat and dairy industry, Bord Bia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our Embassies in pursuit of new opportunities internationally.
