Chinese importers jet in for ploughing championships
The buyers from Hebei province, near Beijing, met with Bord Bia officials in Ratheniska, Co Laois, to learn first-hand about Ireland’s world-class food industry and technologies in beef and dairy genetics.
Farm visits and meetings with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and with Irish genetic suppliers also took place.
Irish exports to China grew by over 40% last year, with values trebling over the last three years to €390m.
China is now Ireland’s sixth largest market overall, driven in particular by strong dairy and pork exports. Seafood and beverage exports are also growing from a lower base.
A major push is also under way to get access to China for Irish beef.
Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney will lead a delegation of 50 Irish food companies, officials and others on a Bord Bia-organised trade mission to China in November.
