IFA confident over exports to Turkey
IFA livestock committee chairman Angus Woods said a number of Irish exporters are actively involved in negotiations and he expected progress on both weanling and slaughter cattle exports in the coming weeks.
He said work is also ongoing in lining up ships to facilitate the trade. Officials from the Turkish Meat and Milk Board visited Ireland to progress matters in the last week.
“A strong live trade is essential to maximise competition and put a solid floor under weanlings this back end,” he said. Mr Woods said some exporters have already started buying cattle and assembling lots for export to Turkey.
“Turkey is a major opportunity for the Irish livestock sector and has an import requirement for up to 400,000 head of live cattle annually,” said Mr Wood.
“In 2015, Turkey imported 380,000 head of cattle, the majority from South America, and up to 120,000 head from France.”
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed, who announced the opening of the Turkish market for Irish cattle in June, said it was a significant achievement.
