Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2017
488. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he anticipates ongoing growth in the beef sector with particular reference to Food Harvest 2020 and Food Wise 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41958/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is currently a strong demand for meat globally including beef. Figures from the European Commission's most recent Short Term Outlook for meat markets show a projected reduction in output of 1.4% in 2018 following four years of modest increases. In addition, EU exports of beef have performed very strongly for the first half of 2017. These are both positive developments for a beef exporter country such as Ireland and should provide ongoing opportunities for growth in Irish exports both within the EU and to third countries.
The immediate impact of Brexit was seen in weaker sterling values against the euro. Despite this, cattle prices are remaining reasonably firm so far this year, standing 2.4% higher for the year to date when compared to 2016. Nonetheless, the uncertainty surrounding the final outcome of Brexit negotiations presents significant challenges. Our strategy is to defend our UK market position while developing new opportunities further afield. I am also concerned about current discussions around a free trade agreement with Mercosur countries, and my Department is very much engaged in ensuring that the Irish and EU beef sectors are protected in any such deal.
I led a trade mission to the Middle East at the end of February, and another to Mexico and the USA in June. In addition there have been recent visits to Ireland by inspectors from the CNCA in China and the USDA. All of these are important steps in improving Ireland’s market penetration internationally. My Department and its State agencies will continue to ensure that as many markets as possible are opened for Irish beef.
I am also very conscious of the vital role that live exports play in providing an alternative market outlet for Irish farmers. These have increased by over 50,000 head, or 48% in 2017, both to traditional EU and third-country markets, with Spain, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Turkey all taking substantial amount of live cattle from Irish exporters. This is helping to stabilise market balance for cattle prices in Ireland.
Whilst the Irish beef sector has been challenged by Brexit, meeting this challenge is assisted by already having in place a long-term strategy for the beef sector and the Irish agrifood sector as a whole in Food Wise 2025, which built on the success of Food Harvest 2020. While the actions and measures in FoodWise are continually reviewed in the light of challenges facing the sector, we must not allow events such as Brexit to compromise the objectives laid out for the beef sector in Food Wise.
