Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 September 2020
168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects markets for agricultural exports to grow throughout the EU or elsewhere with particular reference to the need to replace ground lost arising from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24415/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeveloping increased third country market access and furthering trade opportunities around the world are both integral parts of my Department’s response to the challenges posed by Brexit.
These goals are aligned with the strategic market development theme of Food Wise 2025, which outlines the significant opportunities for growth of our agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Gulf region.
My Department has been, and continues to be, very active in securing access to new third country markets for Irish food companies. To that end, our food and drink exports have greatly increased in recent years. Total Irish agri-food exports came to €14.5 billion in 2019, an increase of 6% on 2018. Bord Bia has indicated that half of this growth has come from markets outside Europe.
Trade missions play a key role in market and trade advancement. In recent years, successful visits have taken place to Turkey, China, Japan, South Korea, Algeria and Egypt, among others. Increased market access has been achieved with these visits, including through the abolition of the age restriction on beef exports to Japan, through additional beef plant approvals for export to China and through the progression of beef access in South Korea. Destinations are selected strategically and in keeping with the Bord Bia market prioritisation exercise of December 2017.
The Government's focus on, and commitment to, new market development has been illustrated by its appointment of my colleague, Martin Heydon T.D., as Minister of State with specific responsibility for this task. In addition, my Department's international trade activities are being reorganised and further developed, as we deal with the twin challenges of Brexit and the Covid 19 pandemic.
