Written Answers Nos. 541-556
541. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cause of death of six bulls during transit to Libya in February 2018, in view of the fact that it appears these details were not recorded; and if the cause of death of all animals on such shipments will be recorded in future for openness and transparency. [31739/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department promotes an environment in which live exports take place with a strong emphasis on the welfare of all animals being exported. Livestock being exported are monitored by my Department’s veterinary inspectors during the prescribed isolation period, with the loading of cattle also supervised by Department officials. All animals are inspected and must be certified as regards health status and fitness for travel, and cattle on board a livestock ship departing from Ireland are typically bedded and penned in conditions very similar to cattle in any feedlot or cattle shed. In addition, due regard must be taken to weather conditions in respect of long distance transport
Typically the number of mortalities that arise during transport from Ireland by ship is very low. Any mortalities that do arise during transport by ship from Ireland are recorded and returns are made to DAFM after each voyage.
As with most mortalities in livestock it is not possible to give a definitive cause of death in the majority of cases. With the small number of mortalities that do arise, respiratory disease or injuries such as a broken leg requiring the animal to be euthanised would tend to be the most common causes. The incidence of all mortalities are monitored and corrective actions would be instigated in the event that unusually high mortality levels were recorded.
542. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 489 of 29 May 2018, the penalties that were applied to those found in breach of the regulations. [31740/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRules governing the transport of animals in the European Community are laid down in Council Regulation (EU) No 1/2005. This is given legal effect in Ireland by the European Communities (Animal Transport and Control Post) Regulations 2006 (SI No 675 of 2006). The penalties in question were applied in accordance with Regulation 13 of the Statutory Instrument.
543. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 489 of 29 May 2018, if future shipment sizes will be limited until he liaises with the French authorities to secure another suitable rest point in Cherbourg. [31741/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCalf exporters and transporters have been notified that all Irish calves arriving in Cherbourg must be fed and rested in the control posts in Cherbourg. After 12 hours rest in the control posts the journey can recommence. It has been reiterated that is not acceptable to present calves for export certification and Journey Log approval unless the exporter and transporter has secured a place for the animals to rest at the approved Control Posts in Cherbourg.
Currently there are 2 approved Control Posts in Cherbourg with a capacity of 4000 calves. All exporters, assembly centre owners and transporters have been notified of the requirements and warned of the consequences for those who fail to rest and feed the calves at the Control Posts in Cherbourg.
544. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in place for farmers affected by the recent spell of hot weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31828/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very much aware of the potential impact of the current dry spell on the farming sector. Following the fodder difficulties of last winter and spring I formed a representative group chaired by Teagasc including stakeholders such as Co-ops, banks, farm bodies among others to coordinate advisory messages to farmers this summer around replenishing stocks that have been used up and also to manage grazing and fodder through this extended period of extraordinarily dry weather. I have asked that this group meets regularly, particularly during this difficult period, until I am satisfied that the issue of securing adequate fodder supplies for next winter has been fully addressed.
I recently joined the second meeting of this group by phone link to keep informed of its actions in support of livestock farmers affected by the dry conditions. The group is scheduled to meet again next week.
On the 26th June I launched a national fodder census to be compiled by Teagasc through its client network as well as clients of the other fodder group stakeholders, with another census planned for the 1st September. The aim of the census is to monitor and measure the levels of fodder in the country and will inform further actions that may be necessary this autumn.
Detailed agronomic advice is being regularly coordinated and communicated to farmers by the bodies represented on the Fodder Group, including through our own social media account.
In addition, Teagasc has established a dedicated helpline to provide advice to farmers affected by the on-going drought. This is being supplemented by a series of local meetings/clinics where farmers can obtain direct support from Teagasc advisors on the spot. The helpline will operate daily from 9 am to 9 pm - 087 7971377.
This helpline service and local clinics are open to all farmers, including non-Teagasc clients.
Co-ops and feed compounders represented on the group have increased feed output to meet demand.
Banking institution members of the group are also working closely with farmer customers on effective financial planning to see them through the current difficult spell.
I believe it is very important that in the face of such weather related events farmers should have access to measures that improve their resilience to these occurrences. I have asked my officials to examine all available risk management tools to determine which of these may be most appropriate to the farming sector.
545. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contingency plans and strategies ready for deployment in the event of a no deal Brexit in his Department for the agrifood and fisheries sectors; the details of such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31829/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being co-ordinated through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Contingency planning for a no-deal or worst-case outcome is now well advanced. Its focus is on the immediate economic, regulatory and operational challenges which would result from such an outcome. It assumes a trading relationship based on the default WTO rules, but also examines the possible effects on many other areas of concern.
This work is therefore providing baseline scenarios for the impact of Brexit which can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations, including in regard to transition arrangements and the future relationship. This approach is also enabling the modelling of potential responses under different scenarios, such as one where a withdrawal agreement is concluded and where a Free Trade Agreement is the basis for the future relationship between the EU and the UK.
It also takes account of the planning being undertaken at EU level by the Commission Preparedness Unit, which is issuing information notes aimed at different business sectors and examining legislative actions which may be needed at EU level.
However, the Government is already acting in order to get Ireland Brexit-ready. For example, dedicated measures were announced in Budget 2018, including a new €300m Brexit Loan Scheme for Business (40% of which will be available to the agri-food sector) and a €25m Brexit Response Loan Scheme for farmers, fishermen and businesses. Bord Bia, aided by the significant additional funding that I have allocated to it since the UK referendum, continues to work with companies, providing practical help and advice and supporting their efforts to diversify their markets. In addition, my Department has intensified its trade development efforts and I have led trade missions to China, the US and Canada earlier this year, and I intend leading an industry delegation to Indonesia and Malaysia in the Autumn.
My Department will continue to co-ordinate its work on this very important issue with that of other Departments.
546. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to make preparations to capitalise on Brexit, with particular reference to the opening up of new opportunities for Irish food production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31838/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Indeed, this is all the more relevant after the UK’s decision to leave the EU, which presents significant new challenges for the agri-food sector in particular.
Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Gulf region. Indeed, significant steps forward have been taken in opening new markets and in developing trade in existing markets for Irish agri-food exporters in the last three years alone.
In 2015 we gained access to the US and Canadian markets for Irish beef. In the same year we also attained access to the Omani market for Irish beef and sheepmeat.
In 2016 we gained access to the Maldives for beef, sheepmeat, pigmeat and poultrymeat. We also gained access to the Iranian market for sheepmeat, and we regained access to the Israeli market for beef.
In 2017, the market in Egypt was re-opened to Irish beef and we got access to the Chilean market for Irish pork.
And, of course, the news that we had achieved access to the hugely important Chinese market for beef in April 2018 was most welcome. Consumer demand for premium imported beef is forecast to rise significantly, driven by increasing urbanisation, higher disposable incomes and health awareness. The import of frozen boneless beef, the category for which Ireland will have market access, has grown nine-fold within the last five years.
On the dairy front, Ireland exported over €4.5billion in dairy products to nearly 130 countries in 2017. Against the backdrop of EU-agreed trade deals such as those completed with Canada and Japan, which will benefit the sector, my Department continues to prioritise efforts to gain access to new third country markets and, equally importantly, to deepen existing markets for Irish dairy products. In many instances such efforts are on foot of Ministerial led trade missions.
More generally, the value of exports to emerging markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central/South America stood at almost €2.8 billion in 2017. The value of trade to these markets has increased by 159% since 2009, and now accounts for over 20% of total agri-food exports. This growth has been led by Asia, with exports of €1.6 billion in 2017, of which around €1 billion went to China. Exports to other Asian markets grew by 85% since 2012 to €659 million in 2017.
Trade to Africa has also grown to €606 million, while exports to the Middle East have also grown significantly.
From a practical perspective, my Department and its agencies have a strong global footprint which is primarily aimed at facilitating growth in the trade of agri-food products with countries around the world.
For example, my Department maintains a network of agriculture attachés which is increasingly focused on countries with whom we are seeking to further develop our trading links, such as the United States, the Gulf Region and China. We also work closely with Bord Bia in developing international markets through its network of offices around the world, which it has recently expanded to include a presence in Singapore and in Warsaw. We work very effectively together, and with the relevant authorities, in progressing market access issues and organising trade missions aimed at promoting and supporting the export of Irish agri-food products.
The role of trade missions cannot be underestimated. I led a series of very successful trade missions in 2017. Destinations included the Gulf States, US, Mexico, Japan and South Korea. In the case of the latter two, this was an ideal opportunity to exploit the benefits to be derived from the EU's recent trade and economic partnership agreements with South Korea and Japan.
This work has continued in 2018. I have already led trade missions to the US, Canada and China, and my Department is currently making arrangements with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland for a further trade mission in the last quarter of 2018 to Indonesia and Malaysia. Again this will include participants from across the agri-food sector and will feature extensive trade contacts as well as high-level political discussions. Both of these markets had been identified by my Department as offering huge potential to the Irish agri-food sector.
These and the other missions that my Department are planning will serve to enhance and improve our existing levels of market access in these destinations. It will also promote Ireland’s reputation as a producer of high quality, safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy products. The destinations are also in keeping with the recent market profiling exercise that was completed by Bord Bia at my request. This exercise identified opportunities in new and more mature markets, and will provide valuable market intelligence both for industry operators and policy makers.
My Department will continue to seek out and identify new markets, and I am ready to respond as appropriate to other opportunities that may arise.
547. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which fish conservation policies have benefited fish stocks in the seas around this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31839/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s goals for sustainable fisheries are supported through the Common Fisheries Policy. The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) provides the framework for the long term conservation and sustainability of fish stocks around our shores and is designed to ensure the long term sustainability of fishing in Ireland and throughout EU waters. Key features of this policy include setting Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas to deliver maximum sustainable yield (MSY) in all cases by 2020; a discards ban (Landing Obligation) to be phased in by the beginning of 2019; and the establishment of a regional decision making arrangement.
Setting fishing levels on the basis of Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) is an essential aspect of the policy. Fishing opportunities for each Member State are agreed on an annual basis at the EU Fisheries Council of Ministers on the basis of a proposal produced by the European Commission that is informed by the best available scientific advice. The Common Fisheries Policy specifically calls for the progressive restoration and maintenance of populations of fish stocks above biomass levels capable of producing MSY. To achieve this, the FMSY exploitation rate shall be achieved for all stocks by 2020 at the latest. This should ultimately lead to healthy fish stocks, higher quotas for both Irish and EU fishermen and lead to more sustainable fishing patterns.
This December’s Council showed a rebuilding of many stocks, this was demonstrated by a 34% increase in our whitefish quotas off the North-West coast and a 64% increase in the Irish Sea. These are both areas that were severely depleted just five years ago. The work done to rebuild these stocks has led to significant increases for quotas for our fleets. This shows that the many years of intensive, industry led conservations measures are paying off.
The landing obligation (also referred to as the ‘discards ban’) was also introduced as part of the current CFP. Its objective is to eliminate the wasteful and unsustainable practice of discarding. The reform is being rolled out in a practical and phased manner. The first part of the landing obligation, the ban on discarding pelagic stocks such as herring and mackerel, came into effect on the 1st of January 2015. The landing obligation was extended to certain demersal stocks (whitefish and prawns) from the 1st of January 2016 and will be fully phased in by the 1st January 2019.
Scientific information on the state of the fisheries exploited by the Irish fleet is compiled by the Marine Institute and is published in the Stock Book each year. The most recent Stock Book, 2017, contains 74 stocks that are subject to the scientific advice of the Marine Institute. From the 74 stocks, 29 are assessed as being sustainably fished in 2017. This number has grown every year since 2013. This in turn leads to the number of stocks being overfished declining from 22 in 2014 to 17 in 2017. The biomass of stocks, the quantity of mature fish in the sea, has also increased. In 2017 there were 27 stocks in a positive state above biomass trigger points. This is an increase over the preceding year of 22.
There remains work left to do to but the progress so far must be acknowledged. The EU Commission has also noted that the state of fish stocks in European Atlantic and nearby waters continue to improve which indicates that we are seeing the benefits of prudent and responsible fisheries management practices. I am confident that we will continue to make significant progress that will ensure the continued economic viability of our fishing fleet and fish processors while supporting the communities that depend on a vibrant fishing industry.
548. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of new markets identified for Irish food exporters in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31840/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe past three years has seen great strides taken in the opening of new markets and the deepening of trade for existing markets for Irish Agri food exporters.
In 2015 we gained access to the US market for Irish beef. During the same year we also got access to the Canadian market for Irish beef and to the Omani market for Irish beef and sheepmeat.
In 2016 we gained access to the Maldives for beef, sheepmeat, pigmeat and poultrymeat. We also gained access to the Iranian market for sheepmeat and we regained access to the Israeli market for beef.
In 2017, the market in Egypt was re-opened to exports of beef from Ireland and we got access to the Chilean market for Irish pork.
In April 2018, the Chinese authorities opened their market to Irish beef imports by listing a number of approved Irish beef establishments, and in July an agreement was reached with Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health which will allow for the importation into Qatar of Irish beef, sheepmeat and poultry.
On the dairy front, Ireland exported over €4.5bn in dairy products to nearly 130 countries in 2017. Against the backdrop of EU agreed trade deals such as those completed with Canada, Japan and Mexico, which will obviously have benefit for the sector, my Department continues to prioritise efforts to gain access to new third country markets and, equally importantly, to deepen existing markets for Irish dairy products.
We have also had success with exports to emerging markets. The value of exports to Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central/South America stood at almost €2.8 billion in 2017. The value of trade to these markets increased by 159% since 2009. These markets now account for over 20% of total agri-food exports.
Growth to emerging markets has been led by Asia, with exports of €1.6 billion in 2017, of which around €1 billion went to China. Exports to other Asian markets grew by 85% since 2012 to €659 million in 2017. Trade to Africa has also grown to €606 million, while exports to the Middle East have also grown significantly, to reach €370 million.
The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Gulf region. This is where our efforts will be focused for the foreseeable future, particularly given the need to diversify our markets and to reduce our reliance on traditional destinations such as the UK.
549. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which fish processing facilities here remain adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31841/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 212 approved land-based seafood processors in Ireland which are, in the main, located in and around our fishing ports. The scale of operation of the processors varies from micro enterprises to medium sized enterprises and large enterprises.
A range of supports are available to seafood processors under my Department's €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme (EMFF) 2014-20. An enterprise may, subject to the size of its operation, apply for capital investment supports to its local Fisheries Local Action Group or to Bord Iascaigh Mhara as appropriate. In addition further EMFF supports are available through a number of other schemes administered by BIM including supports for new product development, business planning, market research and route to market structures.
550. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his vision for the future development of the agrifood sector, notwithstanding Brexit or other challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31842/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, the agri-food sector continues to play a vital role in Ireland’s economy with a turnover of €26 billion, contributing 7.8% of GNI* and generating 11% of all merchandising exports in 2017. The agri-food sector also makes a significant contribution to employment particularly in rural and coastal areas accounting for 7.9 % of total employment in 2017 and ensuring the continued viability of these areas. At farm level, CSO data shows that Operating Surplus increased by over 35% to €3.5 billion in 2017, and Teagasc data shows that average Family Farm Income reached a record high of €31,374, a 32% increase on 2016.
The uncertainty around Brexit is a challenge for the sector, but concerns about the impact on the agri-food sector are at the top of the Government’s Brexit agenda. My on-going engagement with UK and EU counterparts will be informed by the need to have the implications for the agri-food sector understood and taken account of as the negotiations unfold.
My Department and State agencies are working together to ensure that that appropriate supports are in place to help the sector to respond and adapt to the uncertainty arising from Brexit. For example, significant additional funding has been provided to Bord Bia's marketing and promotion efforts; low cost flexible finance schemes at farm and food industry level have been implemented; and further investment in innovation and competitiveness for the food industry, particularly the prepared consumer foods sector, has been prioritised.
Food Wise 2025 is our shared strategy for the sustainable growth of the sector. I chair the Food Wise High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC), with high level representatives from all the relevant Departments and State agencies. The committee reviews progress on detailed actions on a quarterly basis, in order to identify and solve problems quickly. In light of the UK vote to leave the EU, Brexit has been included as a standard item on the agenda of each meeting of the HLIC. It is clear that driving the implementation of the Food Wise recommendations, particularly those related to market development, competitiveness and innovation, is more important than ever in the light of Brexit.
Earlier this month, I launched the third annual progress report of Food Wise 2025: Steps to Success 2018. This showed that, of the 375 detailed actions which were due to commence by 2018 or are on-going actions; 74% have been achieved or substantial action has been undertaken; and a further 26% have commenced and are progressing well.
551. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor the poultry sector, with particular reference to any threats to the industry; the degree to which potential for growth remains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31843/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Poultry Sector plays an important role within the Irish agri-food sector, supporting around 6,000 jobs, most of these in rural areas.
Irish production hit record levels in 2017, with 95.5 million birds slaughtered in export-approved plants, an increase of 3.9% compared to 2016, with most of the increase evident in broiler and duck production. Overall, Irish poultry production is forecast to remain broadly stable during 2018.
The value of Irish poultry exports in 2017 increased by 3% to an estimated €278 million (CSO trade data), with the United Kingdom accounting for some 80% of this figure in value terms. Other EU markets now account for almost 10% of Irish exports, with France leading the way. Growth has also been seen in trade with the Scandinavian nations and Spain. Exports to third country markets now amounts to 10% of export totals, with South Africa showing the biggest growth for Irish exporters.
The pursuit and development of new markets is an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by the market development theme of Food Wise 2025.
Avian influenza remains a threat. Following recent outbreaks in Europe, my Department continues to monitor the situation closely and engage with flock owners, with a view to remaining vigilant and implementing the necessary bio-security measures required to safeguard Irish flocks.
The Rural Development programme 2014 – 2020 (RDP) is also providing key supports for the enhancement and the competitiveness of the poultry sector. The main areas for support in the RDP for the poultry sector include support for on-farm capital investment under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme II (TAMS II) scheme and knowledge transfer and innovation measures, aimed at underpinning farm viability, sustainability and growth through the adoption of best practice and innovative solutions.
552. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which traceability, husbandry, management and hygiene tests continue to be strictly applied throughout the food sector, both indigenous and imported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31844/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFood products placed on the marketplace are covered by a range of legislation designed to ensure that products supplied to consumers are of the highest safety standards. My Department plays a part in the enforcement of this legislation along with other Government Departments and State Agencies such as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), the Health Service Executive, and Local Authority Veterinary Inspectorate, Marine Institute and the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency. The FSAI is the body responsible for enforcement of regulations governing traceability, labelling and provision of food information to customers.
Primary responsibility under EU law for the safety and traceability of food placed on the market lies with food business operators. The role of National Competent Agencies is to verify compliance with this requirement. This is done via a combination of inspecting establishments and auditing the food safety management systems which operators have in place. These controls are applied at different stages in the food supply chain. Regulation (EC) No. 178 of 2002 sets out the general principles and requirements of EU food law and stipulates that food business operators must, at all stages of production, processing and distribution within their business, ensure food law requirements are satisfied. In regard to traceability, the regulations require that food business operators have what is referred to as the ‘one step forward, one step backward’ traceability system. There are additional requirements for certain fishery and aquaculture products under the Control Regulation (Regulation 1224/2009 and Implementing Regulation 404/2011) from first sale to subsequent stages of production, processing and distribution up to retail.
My Department has a permanent veterinary presence at all its approved slaughter plants. Controls at plants only engaged in secondary processing are carried out at a frequency based on an annual risk assessment. An annual audit of imported products is carried out in each Department-approved plant, including checks on physical identity, labelling and documentary checks.
Extra veterinary checks are carried out on selected consignments of foods imported into DAFM-approved establishments from other EU Member States or from Third Countries outside the EU. These checks include physical checks of product condition, checks of accompanying documentation and checks of labelling and health markings.
The import of products of animal origin from third countries is governed by a comprehensive and robust legislative framework laid down at EU level, controlled by Member States in the first instance, and audited by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety, to ensure compliance with all of the relevant food safety standards. The legislation imposes health and supervisory requirements designed to ensure that imported products meet standards equivalent to those required for production and trade between Member States. Border Inspection Posts are operated by my Department. Import control procedures on products of animal and fish origin are highly prescriptive and strictly audited by the Directorate to ensure compliance. Inspection finding reports are published on the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety’s website.
553. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects to be in a position to ensure maximum employment to derive from the fishing industry, including the entitlement for Irish trawlers to continue to fish in traditional waters in keeping with established practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31845/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume that the Deputy is referring to the potential threat to Ireland’s access to our traditional fishing grounds in what will be the UK’s EEZ post Brexit. I would like to reassure you that the key priorities of Ireland and the EU 27 will be the maintenance of current access to fishing grounds in the UK zone in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal and the protection of Ireland’s existing quota shares. My continued objective is to ensure that the implications for fisheries are fully taken account of in the establishment of the framework for a future EU-UK relationship.
The results of my engagement with the Barnier Task Force, in close collaboration with the Tánaiste are evident in the agreed EU position that fisheries are to be protected in the texts of the transitional arrangements and the guidelines for the future relationship. In the proposed Withdrawal agreement, the text on fisheries is very clear – there can be no change to the status quo on access to fishing grounds or quota share during the transition period. The EU 27 accepts the key point that fisheries is a zero sum game and that any gain for the UK would mean a loss for Ireland and the rest of the EU.
In recent months, I have continued to have positive, regular meetings with my European colleagues, especially those from the group of 8 member states whose fisheries are most impacted by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. I am also working closely with key stakeholders in the Irish fishing industry and am pleased at the level of unity on these key issues.
In conclusion, I would like to assure the Deputy that, working together with the Barnier Task Force, I aim to ensure that fisheries are inextricably linked to overall future relationship negotiations and that all of our existing access rights and quota entitlements are fully protected.
554. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position in regard to the development and growth of deer farming and the venison sector, with particular reference to developments abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31846/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeer farming in Ireland is an alternative enterprise which is dependent on the dynamics of supply and demand which affect all agricultural production systems. In 1996 there were approximately 500 deer farms with 20,000 deer in Ireland, but numbers have declined sharply since that time.
Today there are only a small number of farmers in Ireland actively supplying deer for meat production, which cater primarily to specialised niche markets. The sector is reliant upon producers and companies ensuring that a market exists for their product, an objective which Bord Bia assists in by identifying and developing potential market outlets.
There was some recent growth in game (venison) market during 2016 for example with around 764 deer slaughtered for this market, but this declined to 271 deer for 2017, with no deer slaughtered so far in 2018. Growth in the past was achieved as a result of improved distribution for game meats, especially in supermarkets. Game and exotic meats historically occupy a premium, niche segment of the meat market. Whilst there are opportunities to compete with the larger premium segment of the red meat/poultry categories, it is important to note that demand is seasonal, with the greatest concentration of retail shelf space dedicated to game in the Winter/Christmas period.
My Department has approved one factory for the slaughter of deer in Ireland, and two game handling plants. There may also be outlets for processing of venison in Local Authority approved plants, but this would be a matter for the Local Authority concerned.
In addition my Department will continue to seek out and identify viable markets for all types of meat products and I am ready to respond as appropriate to market opportunities that could arise in the future.
555. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the targets set in Food Harvest 2020 and Food Wise 2025 remain attainable; if the targets can be acceded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31847/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra587. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the latest data with respect to attaining baseline targets set down for the agrifood sector and in each sector available by the Food Harvest 2020 strategy, by new jobs to be created, primary output, exports levels and value added; the status of the third progress report on Food Wise 2025: Steps to Success 2018 by the targets set out, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32199/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 555 and 587 together.
The main targets set out in the Food Harvest report published in 2010 were, by 2020, to increase the value of primary output by 33% and agri-food exports by 40% (both from a 2007-09 average baseline); and to increase value added production by 40% (from a 2008 baseline). In addition to these value increases, a target was set for a 50% increase in milk production by 2020, to be progressed following the abolition of milk quotas in April 2015.
Progress on those targets is monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis. The latest data available show growth of 36% for both primary production and exports (based on 2016 data), and 47% for value added (latest available data 2014), versus the baseline period, demonstrating excellent progress. The target of a 50% increase in milk volume has already been achieved.
Food Wise 2025, the latest ten year strategy for the agri-food sector published in July 2015, is the successor to the Food Harvest strategy. It identifies the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and provides an enabling strategy that will allow the sector to grow and prosper. Food Wise includes more than 400 specific recommendations, spread across the cross-cutting themes of sustainability, innovation, human capital, market development and competitiveness; as well as specific sectoral recommendations.
If these recommendations are implemented, the expert committee, which drew up the Food Wise 2025 Strategy, believes that the following growth projections are achievable by 2025: increasing the value of agri-food exports by 85% to €19 billion; increasing value added in the sector by 70% to in excess of €13 billion; and increasing the value of primary production by 65% to almost €10 billion. With regard to employment, Food Wise foresees the creation of 23,000 additional jobs in the agri-food sector all along the supply chain from primary production to high value added product development.
In July this year, I launched the third annual progress report of Food Wise 2025: Steps to Success 2018. This showed that, of the 375 detailed actions which were due to commence by 2018 or are on-going actions; 74% have been achieved or substantial action has been undertaken; and a further 26% have commenced and are progressing well.
556. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts his Department have made to develop meat access to Qatar; when trade will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31848/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has recently agreed a Veterinary Health Certificate for the export of beef, sheepmeat and poultry to Qatar. The certificates apply for meat and meat products. This agreement is a result of a joined-up effort between my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in particular the Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, also accredited to Qatar.
Qatar offers excellent opportunities for Irish food producers, and Ireland already has some established trade links with Qatar; Irish agri-food exports to Qatar amounted to €8.8 million in 2017 of which around 70% is accounted for by dairy exports. Meat consumption overall estimated to be high compared to global averages, and lamb accounts for around one-third of meat consumption in Qatar.
I cannot say when trade will actually commence. The role of my Department is to facilitate access to international markets, and it is then up to the industry to avail of this opportunity.
New market access is a high priority for my Department in line with the 7 Point Action Plan developed on market access last year. We will continue to work to open up new markets and to diversify the number of markets to which we can export in line with the market diversification theme of Foodwise 2025 and as a response to some of the challenges posed by Brexit.
I recently launched an online international market access information portal which provides information across some of the major agri-food export sectors of dairy, meat, seafood and live animals. The information provided includes certification arrangements, exporter terms and conditions, individual country trading statistics and the typical products exported to individual markets. This portal is a very valuable tool for our producers and exporters. As new markets are opened or certification conditions are changed, this will of course be reflected by the necessary changes to the web portal. The portal can be accessed at http://www.marketaccess.agriculture.gov.ie/
