Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
268. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor production costs in the poultry sector, with particular reference to the need to ensure a stable cost base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18719/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term.
Poultry meat has seen an increase in demand in recent years and the price has remained constant in 2023, averaging around €249.26 /100 Kgs in 2023, 3.93% higher than the average price achieved in 2022. This trend has continued into 2024, where the average price from Jan to March 2024 is €262.20/100 Kgs, some 3.75% higher than the price achieved for the same 3-month period in 2023 (€252.73/100 Kgs).
Poultry Production is also performing well, with total slaughterings in 2023 amounting to over 112m birds, exceeding 2022 Production by 4%. The upward trend in slaughtering appears to be continuing in 2024 as by week 15 of 2024 (Week ending 14th April), there were just over 32.5 million birds slaughtered which is approximately 3.81% greater than the amount slaughtered in the corresponding 15-Week period in 2023.
I am aware of the pressures being faced by many in the agri-food sector due to the increase in input costs, exacerbated by the impact of the illegal war in Ukraine. My Department continues to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector. Poultry is normally reared under contract to processors, for a pre-agreed price, and, therefore, poultry producers are not typically subject to the same price fluctuations as other farmers.
I am also very aware of the contribution of the poultry production sector to Irish agri-food as a whole, supporting significant levels of direct employment as well as their role in supporting rural economies and the wider national economy and I firmly believe that the poultry production sector in Ireland remains viable.
