Smith: Volcanic ash flight disruption had little impact on food industry

THE cancellation of flights following the volcanic eruptions in Iceland has had a low impact on the Irish food industry.

Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith told Labour Party TD Joan Burton in a written reply to a Dáil question that up to 97% of food exports are moved by road and sea.

Investment in the road infrastructure in Ireland means that containers can switch quite easily between ports.

“Some specialist seafood products are exported by air to Japan, but as this is not the peak season, impact on sales is not expected to be significant,” he said.

Meanwhile, scientists say the eruptions do not seem to have produced enough dust or gas to alter the climate or impact agriculture in Britain, and should have no effect on global warming trends.

But they also warn that a larger eruption from the brooding Katla volcano in Iceland might be a different matter.

Icelandic farmers, however, have suffered major difficulties as a result of the eruptions.

The affected region is an important agricultural area.

It accounts for 15% of all Icelandic cattle, 6% of all sheep flocks, and 17% of the horse population. Dairy production can also be found in the close vicinity of the eruptions.

Copa-Cogeca secretary-general Pekka Pesonen said the umbrella bodies for European farmers and agri co-ops have offered deepest sympathy to Icelandic farmers. “The eruption shows the disastrous effect natural disasters can have on farming, creating unpredictable harvests, volatile prices and loss of income.

“A robust farm policy, which safeguards the food security and ensures a fair income to farmers, is therefore vital,” he said.

After the volcano first erupted last month, the Food Safety Authority here stated that Ireland was unlikely to see any negative impacts at that time due to the distance and dilute nature of the ash plume over the country.

However, it stated that it would keep the situation in relation to food safety and agriculture in Ireland under review.