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Higher exports in 2011

In 2011 the value of exports rose by 10% to €180m.

The majority of exports were destined for customers in France and Britain representing 76% of exports. This illustrates the growing popularity of Irish lamb in these markets due to its unique and distinctive flavour.

According to Teresa Brophy, Ireland Market Manager for Bord Bia “thanks to our mild temperate climate, abundance of lush grass and natural production systems our lamb has a distinctive sweet flavour. So it is not surprising that a Bord Bia consumer study indicates that 51% of those surveyed said lamb was the tastiest of all meats”. Excellent recipes are available from their website at www.bordbia.ie/summerlamb
According to the IFA provided lamb and wool prices are maintained farmers will respond and grow numbers. There is the potential to grow ewe numbers to 3 million and lamb output to 3.5 million and there are positive market opportunities. The EU is only 70% self sufficient and production is falling in Europe.Imports from major suppliers such as New Zealand to Britain and France are well down. Food Harvest 2020 is targeting a modest 20% growth. According to James Murphy, there is the potential to increase production to 71,000 tonnes, valued at €360 m by 2020.

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