Pat Deering
Ceist:52. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which live calf exports have performed in quarter one of 2018 and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23622/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 30 May 2018
Ceisteanna (52)
Freagraí ó Béal (6 píosaí cainte)
We discussed the improving situation for the dairy industry compared to the beef and sheep industries earlier on. The increased number in the dairy herd in the past number of years will obviously have a knock-on effect on the number of calves being produced in the country. In order for the beef industry to be maintained, there must be an outlet for calves that have been produced through the dairy industry. Where are we with regard to exports of live calves in the first quarter of this year compared to last year? What are the birth figures for this year compared to last year? Where are our main markets?
Live exports play a vital role in stimulating price competition in the livestock industry and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers. Last year, my Department reduced the veterinary inspection fee payable on live exports of calves under three months of age to €1.20 per animal from €4.80. This gave an important boost to the trade in young calves and brought greater equity in the fees payable for calves, weanlings and adult cattle. Exports of calves rose by 20% to just over 100,000 in 2017 compared to 2016.
This strong performance has continued into 2018. In quarter one, exports of calves rose to 66,800, an 18% increase on the same period in 2017. The Netherlands and Spain were the largest markets with 28,112 and, 25,034 calves exported to these destinations, respectively, in quarter one. In the case of Spain, this represented an increase of 4,500 head on last year. Other destinations included Belgium, to where more than 8,000 head were exported in quarter one of 2018, which is double last year's figure. Exports to France rose to 3,600 head and exports to Italy and Northern Ireland remained stable. My Department and I will continue to promote and maintain an environment in which live exports can continue in both an economic and sustainable manner and with full regard to welfare.
It is encouraging to hear that those figures have increased substantially in the first quarter of this year. With the continuing increase in the dairy herd, there will probably be an increase in the number of calves. Are the figures outlined by the Minister sustainable? I think the Minister said there has been an increase of 18% in the first quarter of this year. In order to maintain the figures, there would probably need to be a similar increase in the first quarter of next year. Have we those markets? Have we enough markets to ensure we can have a sustainable future in that regard?
Obviously, this is an issue we keep under review. There will be continued expansion in the dairy herd. I would like to see more of the expansion in the dairy herd come from improved genetics and yield than from a headlong rush to increased numbers but I do accept that there will be increased numbers. These markets for calf exports are significant. One of the critical issues we will need to keep under review is our commitment to the highest possible standards of welfare in the context of the transport of those animals because without that, those markets can be jeopardy. We will ensure that all those approved to export will operate to the highest standards. Those exports, particularly because they take the progeny of the dairy herd out of the country, are an important fillip indirectly for the beef sector because they leave higher quality beef progeny in the country arising from beef crosses from the dairy herd but also from the suckler herd. That is important in terms of marketing a quality product on the beef side. In the context of live exports, 30,000 cattle, mostly weanlings and bulls, were exported to Turkey in 2017. We are up 27% on those with regard to the January to April 2018 figure. Exports are very important from a competitive point of view but key to maintaining that is a commitment to high standards in welfare.
I think exports are essential in order to keep the whole industry ticking over in a very sustainable way. Standards are also very important as we continue our live exports. In his initial reply, the Minister outlined the different countries where our main exports are going - Spain, Belgium, Northern Ireland and the Netherlands. Are there any other countries that could take some more of our exports in view of the fact that we may be able to export more in the future?
It is not so much in the area of calves but there are emerging markets in Libya in the area of live exports for beef cattle. Breeding stock is also being exported, some to Russia and elsewhere. The numbers are not huge but it is an area in which we remain active in terms of seeking out opportunities. There were some tentative inquiries previously about Egypt as a significant market for live exports of weanling cattle as well. I place significant emphasis on the competitive aspect that live exports bring to the beef trade. It will continue to be a major focus in respect of market opportunities and trade missions in the future.
Questions Nos. 53 to 55, inclusive, replied to in Written Answers.