Russian market open again for Irish pigmeat producers from February 1

THE reopening of the Russian market to Irish pigmeat from February 1 was announced yesterday by Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith.

It was closed since the dioxin incident in December 2008. The minister said it was the result of intensive work by his department, Bord Bia and the Irish embassy.

He said it represented clear recognition by the Russian Federation of the integrity of food safety controls in Ireland.

”The Russian pigmeat was valued at over €12 million in 2007,” he said.

Minister Smith said the maintenance of full access to markets world wide is a priority for his department.

In conjunction with Bórd Bia, a particular effort has been made to ensure normalisation of trading.

The minister said: “The manner in which the Irish and Russian Federation authorities have engaged over the past year has greatly assisted in this regard. My intention as always is to ensure access to as many international markets as possible for all Irish meats and meat products,” he said.

Mr Smith said there is considerable potential for growth in the Russian market.

IFA pigs and pig meat committee chairman Tim Cullinan said the welcome reopening of the Russian market to Irish pig meat means the meat processors must now return pig producers to profitability with immediate effect.

“All through 2009, processors claimed that the closure of the Russian market was having a disastrous effect on the price paid to producers.

“The IFA were assured on numerous occasions that the reopening ofthis market was wortha minimum of 4c/kg tothe Irish farmer,” he said.

Mr Cullinan said that although Ireland’s home market is of vital importance, the growth of the industry can only be achieved through continued expansion of the export market.