Vital that live export trade to north African markets resumes, says IFA

A major live exporter to North Africa plans to bring in a ship in the coming weeks to resume the live export trade with Ireland, according to IFA president John Bryan.

Having met with the exporter, Mr Bryan said a strong live export trade is essential for the €2bn Irish beef and livestock sector in terms of cattle price competition with the factories, and to secure market outlets for the extra cattle in the system.

The IFA leader said it must a priority for Ireland to secure the resumption of the live trade for livestock to the major markets of Libya, Egypt, and Lebanon, and to ensure a vibrant live export trade across all categories of livestock in early 2013.