Govt Must Take Advantage of Brazilian Decision to Halt Beef Exports

IFA President Tim Cullinan said the decision by the Brazilian authorities to stop exports to China presents a huge opportunity for our beef sector.

“The Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and the Govt must now redouble their efforts to secure an immediate return of Irish beef to the Chinese market,” he said.

“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,” he said.

Brazil exported nearly 400,000 tonnes of beef to China in the first six months of this year, underlining the scale of the market that exists there.

IFA Livestock Chairman Brendan Golden said the Chinese market for Irish beef for the first six months of 2020 had grown in value by over 60% to €22.5m, compared to the previous year.  This is a clear indication of the strength of demand and potential for Irish beef exports.

“There’s huge demand for beef in China.  It’s critical that Irish farmers who produce to the most exacting standards in the world are in a position to avail of this,” he said.

The Livestock Chairman said the Government cannot let the opportunity pass and must immediately secure the return of access for Irish beef to this strong and growing market.

In May, it was announced that Ireland had attained official status from the OIE of negligible risk status for BSE.