The Egyptian veterinary officials expected to visit Ireland in the coming days will make a number of farm visits, as well as meeting with their counterparts in the Department of Agriculture.

The officials are coming for exploratory talks on a possible resumption of exports of live Irish cattle to that market.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that the Egyptian authorities are now preparing for future contracts for the supply of beef to the Egyptian army.

Irish live exports to Egypt have been suspended since late 1996, along with exports from a number of other EU member states. However, some EU member states are now exporting cattle there.

Meanwhile, speaking at the Fier Agricola trade fair in Verona, Italy, IFA director of livestock Kevin Kinsella said that live exports from Ireland to Italy could significantly grow this year.

“With Bord Bia, the Department of Agriculture and exporters, we visited a number of feedlots importing Irish cattle in northern Italy this week.

‘‘All of them clearly recognise the significant improvement in the quality and health status of Irish animals.

“The major reduction in milk replacer costs and higher prices in Holland for veal calves should strongly drive calf exports from Ireland this spring,” he said. “Veal prices are also going through a relatively positive period.”

He said: “With Bord Bia forecasting 50,000 to 80,000 more cattle for sale in 2016, a vibrant live export trade was never more important.”

Bord Bia is carrying out a major promotion of Irish live cattle exports this week at Italy’s premier livestock event Fieragricola, which takes place in Verona. It has been joined by the Department of Agriculture, the IFA and live cattle exporters.

Ireland has been given “guest country” status by the event organisers. “This high-profile honour will drive extra visitors to the Bord Bia stand and we will use the opportunity to drive demand for Irish livestock and food,” said Nicolas Ranninger, Bord Bia Manager for Italy.

The Italian market imports over one million cattle each year, more than any other EU country. Exports from Ireland were 25,000 head in 2015, mostly Belgian Blue and Limousin, with a recent demand for niche breeds such as Angus. Top-class cattle from some of these breeds are on show this week at the Ireland stand.