Although a team of Chinese inspectors is in Ireland on an initial visit to Irish beef plants, trade sources say that it could be at least a year before we see produce going to the Asian giant.

On Monday, the officials visited Dawn Meats in Charleville, before trips to Kepak Clonee on Wednesday and ICM Camolin. It had been expected that there would be a visit to ABP’s facility in Cahir, but due to timing constraints this was not possible. This is not an official visit, rather a systems check for the Chinese to get an understanding of how the factory processes work.

There is significance in the fact that ICM is part of the tour. It is understood the Chinese have also shown interest in the Irish sheepmeat sector, although it is likely to be some time before we get access to the Chinese market for sheepmeat.

If Ireland gets the all-clear from this visit, and if we receive BSE-free status next May from the World Organisation of Animal Health (OIE), then a full inspection of all Irish plants by Chinese vets will take place later in the year. This would also be likely to involve farm visits. It is understood that it will be this time next year at the earliest, and more likely into 2016, before we see Irish beef heading to China.

During to a trade mission to China in the first week of November, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney announced the intention of the Chinese to visit in early December. Minister Coveney said this would be an important step in the process to getting full access to the Chinese market for Irish beef.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that the team of Chinese inspectors also visited a feed mill last week.