Equine and pig industries to fore as Coveney signs export deals with China

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney yesterday signed significant export protocol agreements with Chinese vice-minister Wei Chuanzhong.

One paper detailed rules for the establishment in Ireland of quarantine facilities for the transit of Irish horses direct to China. This will facilitate the direct export of horses to China and reduce, significantly, the costs associated with such exports.

Mr Coveney said: “The high veterinary and food safety controls in Ireland, which are recognised internationally, will help to continue to grow our exports of our bloodstock, agri-food, seafood, and related exports to China.