Irish beef exports to China are set to resume after an almost three year suspension.
Beef exports to the Chinese market were immediately suspended in May 2020 following the detection of an isolated case of atypical BSE.
Since then, efforts have been taken to regain approval for Irish beef exports to China.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, and Minister of State, Martin Heydon TD, announced the resumption yesterday.
Chair of Meat Industry Ireland (MII) Philip Carroll said: “The resumption of beef exports to China is a long awaited and welcome decision and will widen the scope for beef exports over the coming years.”
Minister McConalogue stated: “Negotiating the resumption of beef access has been a top priority for my Department over the last two and a half years. Together with colleagues in the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing, my officials have been in ongoing contact with the Chinese authorities since the start of the suspension. They provided the necessary technical information for evaluation by Chinese experts. Earlier this year, as a result of my communication with my counterpart in charge of GACC, our officials engaged in further bilateral talks to finalise the restoration of beef access based on scientific principles.
“Ireland’s reputation as an exporter of high-quality beef worldwide hinges on its compliance with stringent animal health and food safety standards. As a major food exporter, we are always very conscious of the concerns of our customers. China’s decision to resume Irish beef imports on the same conditions as before represents a clear vote of confidence in the output of our beef sector.
“This decision is a great vote of confidence in our beef sector and our committed suckler and beef farmers who produce a world class product. I look forward to seeing the value of the Chinese market grow in the time ahead to reward the efforts of everyone involved.”
