Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
162. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made by his Department on market development over the past 18 months in particular overcoming the challenges of new barriers to existing markets; his views on whether this work will form part of the solution to the current crisis in pig farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6986/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGaining new market access and enhancing access to existing markets for Irish pigmeat exports is integral to my Department’s strategic approach to the development of the agri-food sector generally.
Ministerial led trade missions to priority markets, as well as technical meetings and inward visits and inspections, are a key part of our market development and market access strategy, in cooperation with Bord Bia and our embassy network.
Over the past two years, Bord Bia has developed a successful model of virtual trade missions, at a time when travel was not possible, keeping Ireland and its quality, sustainable, safe food offering, current, relevant and visible and in line with our Food Vision 2030 strategy.
During the pandemic, my Department has had some notable successes in securing new and enhanced market access, including opening Mexico for Irish pigmeat in May 2020.
The continued development of the pigmeat sector is a priority for me, given the pivotal role the industry plays in the national economic context. It is the fourth largest agri-food sector and has shown remarkable growth in recent years. The sector supports approximately 8,000 jobs spanning production, slaughter, processing, feed manufacture and services.
I am acutely aware of the gravity of the situation the sector is facing currently. The pigmeat sector across the EU experienced significant challenges in 2021, including the impact of African Swine Fever in a number of Member States and a consequential loss of third country markets. Obviously, these developments had a knock-on effect on supply and prices within the single market.
At a recent European Council of Agriculture Ministers, I expressed my concerns in relation to the difficulties facing the domestic pigmeat sector, including rising input costs for pig farmers and the sustained nature of the difficulties being experienced on the pigmeat market. I sought the rapid deployment of appropriate solutions for both. I reiterated these concerns at an Informal Meeting of Agricultural Ministers in Strasbourg earlier this week.
Both my colleague, Minister of State Martin Heydon, and I have had a number of engagements with pig industry stakeholders over the past fortnight. Last week (February 3rd) I attended a meeting with the IFA President and IFA pig committee members to discuss farmers' concerns.
At that meeting, I reiterated the Government’s commitment to support the sector, including through the advisory supports provided by Teagasc, and the promotion campaigns being undertaken by Bord Bia for quality-assured pigmeat products.
My officials are continuing to monitor the current market situation and are exploring all potential options available at EU and national level to assist in supporting Irish pig farmers through this significant market disturbance.
