Increasing demand for poultry protein and low feed costs means the outlook for the poultry and egg sector is largely positive for the remainder of 2014 and next year, according to Minister of State Tom Hayes.

Hayes was speaking at Bord Bia's Poultry and Egg Conference in Monaghan today. The theme of this year's conference is delivering a sustainable future for the industry.

Minister Hayes said: “The sector remains a valuable and integral part of the Irish agricultural economy and that it is possibly the most dynamic in terms of evolving and meeting the challenges it faces. Output at producer prices in 2013 amounted to €131 million and the value of poultry meat exports amounted to €234 million."

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The Minister added that Bord Bia estimates that over 90% of poultry meat produced in Ireland is quality assured, "and the inherent added value this gives to the product does not escape the consumer”.

Minister Hayes went on to say that some of the monies under TAMS or on-farm modernisation schemes have been earmarked for the sector.

The conference will features presentations from Bord Bia and other Irish and overseas experts. The morning and afternoon sessions will also include open discussion on the challenges facing the sector and will be chaired by Pat Smith General Secretary of the IFA and Matt Dempsey of the Agriculture Trust.

Consumption

In Ireland, consumption of poultry meat accounts for a third of total meat consumption or almost 26kg per capita per annum. Since last year, egg sales have increased by approximately 6% to €98 million in 2014, while the value of chicken sales has risen by 9% to €200 million in the same period.

Exports

Ireland exported 98,000t in product weight of poultrymeat to 39 markets in 2013. Chicken accounts for 56% of the value of exports, with duck accounting for 26% and turkey accounting for the remainder. The UK market accounts for 70% of shipments while other key markets include France and the Netherlands. For the first six months of 2014, exports were 11% higher on 2013.

Eggs

Irish consumers currently spend €85m per year on eggs with 54% buying eggs every week, an increase of 11% on last year. Approximately 544m eggs are produced annually leaving Ireland 85% self- sufficient in egg production.