Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 September 2020
161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he expects further economic beneficial opportunities to arise from the further development of the dairy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24408/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s dairy exports performed strongly in 2019 with CSO figures for the year indicating a +12.4% volume growth and +9.9% value growth compared to 2018. I am determined to ensure notwithstanding the challenges facing the agri-food sector, especially in the current context of the Covid 19 pandemic that opportunities for the dairy sector to build on this performance are maximised.
Ireland is a global leader in the dairy sector in terms of the safety, sustainability and traceability of our dairy production on family farms, of our processing in facilities that range from global household names to niche cottage industries, and on our justified and hard earned reputation for quality. The quality of Irish sourced milk is a key competitive advantage in our promotional effort and allows the Irish dairy sector to compete successfully in demanding international markets.
Looking at the future prospects for Irish dairying, opportunities for growth in butter, cheese and yogurt are positive and are largely being driven by innovation in new flavours, product varieties, portion sizes and pack formats to meet changing consumer demands. Increased focus on health issues will be a critical factor for the future, and Irish dairy products will be well placed to meet consumer demand for healthy and sustainable food.
In terms of environmental performance, Ireland is rated as having the most carbon efficient dairy production per unit of output in the European Union, primarily attributable to our predominantly grass-based systems of production. Ireland’s sustainability credentials, verified through Origin Green, are a key point of differentiation from our competitors. However, there is no room for complacency in this regard, and I know that there is a shared ambition from stakeholders in the sector for further improvement.
The Irish dairy sector makes an important economic contribution to Ireland’s rural economy, supporting not just Ireland’s dairy family farms but also in employment through primary and secondary processing facilities as well as wider ancillary service providers. As Ireland’s dairy sector continues to evolve in the coming years, I am confident that the Irish dairy sector will continue to provide economic and employment opportunities across the rural economy.
