Minister Creed, who is currently on a five-day mission to Algeria and Morocco, wishes to secure these markets for sheepmeat exports.

“Securing new market access is always a priority for our meat sectors. While we have market access for beef to both countries, we would very much like to add Morocco and Algeria to that list of countries accepting sheepmeat,” he said.

“Our lamb is world famous and sold in over 40 countries now and I will be raising the issue of sheepmeat access in meetings in political meetings in both Countries,” he added.

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Sheepmeat exports from Ireland in 2015 were worth more than €230m and were exported to over 40 countries last year. Events like this mission are part of the Government’s response to the threat posed to the agri sector by Brexit.

The minister who is leading the Bord Bia trade mission to north Africa is intent on bettering relations between Ireland and the two countries as they hold “enormous potential for the Irish foods and Drinks industry”.

Exporters from the Irish beef, dairy and livestock sectors accompany the minister as he seeks to expand the number of available markets for Irish food and drink exports.

Last year agri-food exports from Ireland to Morocco reached almost €14.5m, from Ireland to Algeria €41m, and Creed feels this can be increased.

Dairy

Dairy exports alone are dominating the export market to Algeria, with €40m worth of dairy produce, and powders, butter, cheese and caseins are among the most popular.

The mission will visit farms and dairy processors in Morocco in a bid to help expand and strengthen this export market.

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