Irish beef exports to China should be resumed immediately, say the IFA.
The call comes after Brazil’s decision to stop beef exports to China following the discovery of two atypical BSE cases.
Brazil exported around 400,000 tonnes of beef to China in the first six months of this year.
IFA president Tim Cullinan said the Taoiseach Micheál Martin, along with the Department of Agriculture should redouble their efforts to secure an agreement for Irish beef exports to the Chinese market.
In May, the OIE granted Ireland with a negligible risk status for BSE.“We should be making the most of this decision by Brazil.
It’s a chance to gain a foothold in a market where demand is growing for quality food,” said Mr Cullinan.In the first six months of 2020, the Chinese market for Irish beef increased by more than 60 per cent in value to €22.5 million compared to the previous year.
The IFA added the Government must seize the opportunity and immediately secure the return of Irish beef exports to the strong and growing Chinese market.
LSL News.