Thailand is reopening for Irish beef exports, Agriculture Minister, Martin Heydon TD, has announced.
“This decision represents an endorsement by the Thai Administration of Ireland’s high food safety standards”, said Minister Heydon.
“I see the expansion of markets for Irish beef as crucial for the further development of our beef sector. Thailand brings the number of markets for Irish beef to over 70 and we are actively working on others including Vietnam.
Every new international market increases the economic sustainability of our beef sector and positively impacts on family farms and employment in rural Ireland adding value sustainably into the future.”
Thailand imports 20 percent of its beef and beef consumption in the country is growing, according to the Department for Agriculture.
“Thailand is the second largest economy in South-East Asia. [The Irish] Industry selected Thailand as one of its priorities for beef access. It is a market with a population of over 65 million people and a growing middle class, presenting significant opportunities for Irish Agri-food exporters”, said Martin Heydon.
“For beef, the door has now been opened and there is a real opportunity for the industry to build on.”
Getting access back for Irish beef had been a “lengthy process”, the minister admitted.
“I hope the delivery of quality Irish beef opens the door for industry as we seek to build and enhance access to this very important market.”
The Thai decision includes all fresh and frozen beef including on the bone and boneless cuts. Beef offal is not included.
Ireland is the fourth largest producer of beef in the EU after France, Germany and Spain.
The EU says Ireland is forecast to increase production to 1.1 million this year.