Beef sector reliant on higher value European market

THE country’s beef industry, which recorded exports worth €1.6 billion last year, is now totally reliant on the higher value European market, the first meeting of the new Beef Forum was told in Dublin yesterday.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Mary Coughlan, who set up the forum, said it is crucial to equip it to deal with the various diverse challenges facing it and position it to capitalise on opportunities.

Last year Ireland exported 523,000 tonnes of beef — 97% destined for the European market where quality of product and efficiency of the supply chain are essential components.