Turkish delegation will consider live exports

Live cattle exports to new markets such as Turkey are “so important” because “we need to plan for the rest of the year to ensure that we do not have beef price problems later in the year on foot of an increasing herd”, said outgoing Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney last week.

Speaking in the Dáil, he revealed a Turkish delegation is due in Ireland next week to consider the potential opportunities for live exports.

Mr Coveney said it is “a massive live export opportunity as long as we can do it properly, ensure the standards are right, and that we develop the kind of commercial relationships that can be the basis of a lasting and very important outlet for a growing suckler herd”.