Another step on road to recovery: US beef market reopened

The reopening of the US market for Irish beef is a significant fillip, but an even greater opportunity for the farm sector. 

All of those involved in realising this considerable achievement are to be congratulated.

That we are the first EU beef producers to be given this opportunity, after America’s 15-year closed-door policy following Europe’s 1990s BSE crisis, must enhance the image of Ireland as a premium food producer and will add to the momentum driving that sector, one bruised by uncertainty around milk price prospects when quotas are lifted in a few months.

Yesterday’s announcement is a victory for a concerted effort between Government, State agencies, beef processors, and farmers and shows what can be achieved by unity around a common purpose.

The relationship between processors and primary producers has not been ideal — farmers feel they are not paid enough for their animals — and this opportunity may help realign that relationship.

That it took the bones of 20 years to get Irish beef back on US shelves shows the sensitivity of markets — and how many options buyers have — and underlines how important it is that producers conform to the highest standards.

Therefore, we should be utterly unapologetic about prosecuting those who, for personal gain, behave in any way that threatens this welcome, enviable opportunity.