The prospect of opening up the Chinese beef market will be of benefit to Clare farmers, according to Deputy Joe Carey.
“The largest ever Irish agri-food trade mission to China, led by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, has resulted in a major break through for Irish beef producers,” the Clare Fine Gael TD said.
Following two years of technical engagement between the Irish Department of Agriculture and their Chinese counterparts, it has been agreed that a formal inspection team from China will visit Ireland next month to advance the arrangements.
“The Irish beef industry will have a golden opportunity in December to showcase to the Chinese delegation our world class beef product. The potential here for Irish farmers is enormous. For example, demand for beef in China is expected to rise by one million tonnes over the next five years.
Along with a potential spin off for beef farmers, we are also looking at access to the Chinese market for sheep meat, and the potential for Irish poultry meat,” Deputy Carey said.
“Progress on beef market access to China will help Clare farmers,” Deputy Carey said.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.