Phil Hogan: Beef to China in 2016
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said significant progress has been made towards access to the Chinese market for Irish beef, with the lifting of the BSE ban by China in February 2015, and an inspection visit by a delegation from the Chinese government’s AQSIQ agency to Ireland in January 2016.
Mr Coveney said the US market took 700 tonnes with a value of €6m of Irish beef in the first three months of this year, and 1,800 tonnes worth €14m in 2015.
His Department remains engaged with the US authorities to allow for extension of beef exports to include manufacturing beef/Beef Intended for Grinding.
Beef trade openings are being pursued in several other countries with steps been taken towards the re-opening of the Israeli market for beef exports, following an audit visit to approve selected plants in February, 2016.
And a delegation from South Korea is expected to conduct a systems audit visit regarding beef access in May.
Other market access opportunities being actively pursued at present include beef access for Vietnam, pigmeat access for Mexico and beef and pigmeat access for the Ukraine.
Last week, Bord Bia, the Department of Agriculture, and 17 Irish food companies, begin a three-day trade mission to Iran, the first from Ireland since international sanctions were lifted earlier this year.
Access for Irish beef to Iran was secured in April 2012 and the Department has been engaged in bilateral contact with Iranian authorities for some time to finalise arrangements to allow for the opening of the sheepmeat trade.
Minister Coveney said, “Officials from my department will also take the opportunity to visit Ankara for discussions with Turkish counterparts where we are seeking to advance the market access approval for live exports of Irish cattle amongst other things”.
A departmental delegation is also going to Morocco and Algeria to discuss bilateral trade, including the opening of those markets for live cattle from Ireland.
