Ireland eyes China’s dairy genetics market
The Department of Agriculture has sought expressions of interest from Irish AI firms in exporting to China, following a successful inspection visit here by Chinese animal health experts this year.
The department is searching for export markets for Irish cattle genetics, Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith revealed when he announced his department’s €100,000 sponsorship of the first World Holstein Friesian Conference to be held in Ireland.
He acknowledged the contribution of the 3,500 Irish Holstein Friesian Association members, and all 20,000 farmers who manage the country’s 1.1 million dairy cows, resulting in annual dairy exports of €2.36 billion, which supports more than 1,000 jobs in production and distribution.
