MINISTER for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith, has welcomed the decision by the Russian authorities, to raise the age-limit above which slaughtered animals must be tested for BSE from 30 months to 48 months, in respect of exports of beef from Ireland to Russia.

BEEF markets remain under pressure but a tightening supply and more stable demand in Europe offer the prospect of some improvement as the year progresses, according to Bord Bia’s director of meat Gerard Brickley.