Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 April 2018
186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the future of the dairy industry notwithstanding Brexit and in view of the need for diversification into new product areas in order to broaden market opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18506/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports, including dairy products, is a key theme of the Food Wise 2025 strategy.
Food Wise 2025 outlines the potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region, and our efforts are focused on developing new opportunities in these markets, as well consolidating our position and deepening our penetration of well established markets in the European Union, the UK, and the United States.
Ireland exported in the region of €4.6 bn in dairy products to nearly 140 countries in 2017. Against the backdrop of EU-agreed trade deals such as those completed with Canada, Japan and the most recent announcement of agreement in principle with Mexico, my Department continues to prioritise efforts to gain access to new third country markets and, equally importantly, to deepen existing markets for Irish dairy products. In many instances such efforts are on foot of trade missions at Ministerial level.
While the dairy sector faces significant challenges, including price volatility and the uncertainty arising from Brexit, I believe that the sector is well placed to benefit from expanding global demand for safe, nutritious quality assured dairy products.
I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work closely with the dairy sector, with EU colleagues and international counterparts to ensure the development and maintenance of a sustainable dairy sector in Ireland.
