Exports to remain strong

Marts: Irish exports of beef to Britain are expected to come close to parity with 2005, assuming that the restrictions on imports from South America remain in place to the end of the year.

Latest estimate from Bord Bia indicate that exports of prime beef for 2006 will show only a modest decline from the 260,000 tonnes sold into the market in 2005, despite the return of cow beef to the food chain in Britain.

Calculations based on the latest trade statistics from the UK Meat and Livestock Commission suggest most of the rise in beef on the market arising from the return of cows to the food supply will be offset by the lower imports from South America.