Waterford’s key role in Libyan exports
The fruits of these discussions would see many tens of thousands of Irish cattle make their way to Tripoli, until the outbreak of BSE in 1996, and the resultant export ban.
Although the live trade to Egypt would eventually take multiples of the numbers that would go to Libya, it is the perceived potential of the Libyan market that holds an almost romantic fascination for both Irish farmers and politicians.
Maybe it’s a fascination, or maybe an admiration, built on the two political “strongmen” from two totally different cultures being apparently able to unearth enough common ground to be able to do mutually beneficial business, that today still echoes in a romantic sort of way in the minds of some.
Whatever the reason — political or commercial — the possibility that the live export of cattle to Libya may once again be a real prospect is one that excites.
My information is that within a few weeks, the Almahmoud Express livestock carrier will dock in Waterford with the intention of loading live cattle for the Libyan market.
The vessel, the property of the Almahmoud For Trade Company — which is based in Syria but has offices from Romania to Uruguay to Brazil — can, I am told, carry 3,000 cattle. But given the very stringent animal welfare regulations agreed between Ireland and Libya, her cargo here will not exceed 2,900 head.
As this is, in effect, a new venture for the Almahmoud For Trade Company, the company’s founder brothers, Omar Mahmoud and Abbudal Razzak Chouihna, spent two weeks here recently, visiting Irish farms and examining the quality of stock before deciding that we could meet the requirements of their customers.
Details of those requirements and the mechanics of getting the trade established are well advanced, with agents for Waterford Livestock Exporters Ltd, the company led by John Fleury and Dermot Tobin, charged with the responsibility of sourcing the numbers required, already having leased large cattle handling and holding facilities just outside of Waterford port.
In relation to prices to be paid for suitable stock — no horns, all under 24 months, TB tested within 12 months, and they must have no trace of ringworm — I am told that “prices will be in line with the market”.
What is different this time is that, unlike the 1980s and ’90s, the initial Libyan requirement today is for a lighter type, all-beef cross animal, in effect Continental, Hereford and Angus cross bull weanlings of 250 to 350 kilos, as opposed to the predominately “black and white” heavier finished bullock of earlier years.
Payment will be on the day and will be by way of cheque or direct electronic bank transfer.
Discussing the future prospects for further live trade to Libya, I am told that this shipment is in effect “a trial” and that, providing that the Libyan government and buyers are satisfied, the very real prospect exists that further live exports to Libya could yet materialise later in the year.
The arrangements for this “trial shipment” have been three years in the making, and while concerns over security of payment have been expressed by the IFA — understandable in any new venture — I am told that the assistance given by the Department of Agriculture was invaluable in getting the process thus far.
If that’s true, I must assume that our Government is fully satisfied with the financial bona fides of all involved.
Further details can be obtained from Waterford Livestock Exporters Ltd.
