Visiting officials may help restart of €30m beef export market to Indonesia

THE export of Irish beef to Indonesia, which was worth almost €30 million when the market was closed nine years ago, could be resumed shortly.

Officials from Indonesia are in Ireland to inspect food safety controls. Their itinerary includes visits to meat plants and the Central Veterinary Laboratory. Beef exports to Indonesia were halted in the year 2000 because of the BSE crisis in parts of the European Union. at that time.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Brendan Smith welcomed the visit by veterinarians and public health officials from Indonesia. The visit is hosted by his department and Bord Bia and is part of the continuing efforts to enhance market access for Irish meat.