Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 April 2018
184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he foresees opportunities for Irish beef, lamb and pigmeat exports throughout Europe and outside with particular reference to the need to accommodate market loss in the UK arising from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18504/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2017 meat exports totalled almost €3.8 billion, including:
- beef exports of €2.4 billion, a 6% increase on 2016;
- pigmeat exports of €790 million, an 8% increase on 2016;
- sheepmeat exports of €310 million, a 12% increase on 2016; and,
- poultry exports of €276 million, a 7% increase on 2016
Global demand for meat is forecast to increase, particularly given global population growth, rising incomes, and as diets and the demand for meat as a protein source increases particularly in emerging economies in Asia and elsewhere. There are excellent opportunities both within Europe and outside Europe. Market development is a key theme underpinning our Food Wise 2025 strategy. I am firmly committed to increasing market access and opportunities for Irish meat exports around the world.
While my Department is concerned about any possible negative impacts of Brexit, especially in relation to beef, a very wide range of work is on-going both in relation to opening new Third Country markets and to maintaining and broadening access to existing Third Country markets. I am also firmly committed to maintaining the UK as a destination for our exports.
At my Department’s request, Bord Bia has undertaken a major data based market profiling exercise for potential third-country markets for Irish exports, including meat. The initial results were launched at the Food Wise conference last December and this will help inform the Department’s market access work.
An intensified programme of trade missions to promote Irish food and drink on EU and third country markets is underway, and meat market access has been a major feature of these missions. Since last year, trade missions have taken place to USA and Mexico (June 2017), Japan and South Korea (November 2017), USA and Canada (February 2018) and Turkey (March 2018).
During my St Patrick’s Day visit to London, I undertook a series of important meetings with the UK retail sector. The UK is a natural and valuable market for our quality assured meat exports and I will make every effort to ensure that our hard-won market share in the UK is maintained and strengthened.
The next mission to China and Hong Kong will take place in mid 2018. The recent opening of the Chinese beef market to Irish beef is very significant for the Irish beef industry, all along the chain from farmers through to processors and exporters.
I am very pleased to note that the percentage of Irish meat exports destined for non EU Third- country markets has increased in recent years. For example between 2015 and 2017:
- Beef has increased from 5% to 8% in value terms and from 10% to 14% in volume terms
- Sheepmeat has increased from 7% to 11% in value terms and from 9% to 12% in volume terms, and,
- Pigmeat has increased from 24% to 25% in value terms and from 36% to 37% in volume terms.
This is a testament both to the success of my Department in its market access efforts in opening up new markets and also to the industry in availing of these new market access opportunities.
