Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 May 2023
227. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which Irish lamb continues to be a major competitor on world markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25521/23]
View answerIrish sheep farmers produce a sustainable, world-class product as evidenced by the fact that it was exported to more than 30 destination markets in 2022.
According to the CSO, the value of sheepmeat exports in 2022 increased by 17% to reach €453 million while volume rose by 14% to just over 66,300 metric tonnes.
High-value EU markets accounted for approximately 75% of total exports in value and volume terms. France and Germany were the principal EU markets but Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Denmark were also significant outlets for Irish sheepmeat last year.
The United Kingdom remained an important destination market, representing 13% and 16% of exports by value and volume respectively during the period.
International markets – of which Switzerland and Canada were the leading destinations – accounted for around 10% of total exports in value and volume terms.
CSO data for the first quarter of 2023 shows that export volumes were 6% higher and were worth marginally more than for the same period in 2022.
The overall outlook for Irish and EU lamb prices in 2023 is subject to some uncertainties as worldwide supplies are forecast to remain largely unchanged but the consumer response to ongoing inflationary pressure may affect Irish sheepmeat exports during 2023.
Assuming Irish production costs and output prices are relatively stable, market prospects will also be affected by the availability of imported product in the EU and UK markets which is strongly influenced by demand and supply dynamics in the global sheepmeat trade.
As enunciated in the Food Vision 2030 strategy, developing market opportunities at home and abroad remains a priority objective for my Department. Given that the Irish sheep sector is highly dependent on exports, enhancing market access for all product categories in international markets has a carcase balancing function for the processing industry. Generally speaking, the more diversified the trade opportunities available to the sector, the greater the likelihood of securing higher returns for primary producers.
In that context, I continue to support sheepmeat exports through trade mission engagements and my Department's support for Bord Bia’s marketing and promotion activities nationally and internationally.
