EU-15 countries to increase beef imports in 2006

FALLING production in the EU promises to make 2006 another buoyant year for Irish beef exports.

The return of cow beef three weeks ago to the UK market was feared by Irish exporters, but the latest EU Beef Forecasting group figures indicate that Europe will "soak up" all but 40,000 tonnes of the over 30 months UK beef.

The shortfall between EU-15 beef production and consumption will remain significant in 2006, at around 350,000 tonnes. With production falling in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden, prospects are encouraging for Irish exporters.