Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
698. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department has reviewed the future prospects for the Irish dairy sector with particular reference to market penetration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60491/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2020, Irish dairy exports accounted for 36% of all Irish agrifood exports with a value of €5.1 billion, exceeding the €5 billion mark for the second consecutive year.
Whilst 2021 has posed significant challenges across all global markets, Irish dairy exports are performing strongly in the year to date. Diversifying and developing markets for Irish dairy exports will continue to be a priority and a central component of the strategic development of the dairy sector, as evidenced by the objectives set out for the sector in Food Vision 2030.
The stakeholder-led Food Vision 2030 Strategy for the Irish agrifood sector sets an ambition that Ireland will become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) over the next decade. The Strategy takes a food systems approach, recognising the linkages between food and health and food and the environment.
It emphasises the need to continue to meet world-class standards in food safety, animal health and welfare and increased value-addition, building on sustainable steady value growth, to include an increase in the value of total agrifood exports to €21 billion by 2030.
Developing market opportunities at home and abroad is a key goal under the Strategy and creation of added value through insight and innovation and enhancement of consumer trust are key contributors to its achievement.
Value-added opportunities will be targeted through the retention and the growth of existing market shares, development of new non-EU markets, and product innovation.
My Department and Bord Bia will continue to cooperate in prioritising and developing markets and engaging with key trading partners to enhance the global market share of Irish dairy produce. Key to this are trade missions, both in-person and virtual, facilitated by my Department, Bord Bia, and the Embassy network, as well as inward and outward technical visits, and other trade development and promotional activities facilitated by industry.
The long-term fundamentals of the global dairy market are strong, with growing global demand projected, particularly in Asian markets, and Irish dairy produce is well placed to meet that demand.
