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Participants in a conference looking into the connections between Brexit and agri food exports to Asia have said the UK's departure from the EU is accelerating the sector's exploration of key markets there, especially China.
"The quality of our Irish products is opening doors in these markets - and while there are challenges to navigate, such as cultural and regulatory differences, they can be overcome," said Tim Scanlon, partnership chair of the law firm Matheson.
"In recent months Matheson has seen a significant upsurge in requests from companies seeking advice as to how best to deal with these issues.”
Four-fold increase since 2009
The event held at the new UCD Confucius Institute with Matheson and UCD Sutherland School of Law heard from exporters including Kepak, Silver Hill Foods and Ornua as well as lawyers, academics and representatives from government agencies.
"In recent years much of our attention in terms of market diversification has been on Asia – where we have seen the value of exports nearly quadruple since 2009 – and particularly on China," said Minsiter for Agriculture Michael Creed, who is heading on a trade mission to Malaysia and Indonesia this month.
He added maximising the opportunity offered by these markets formed part of the Government's Brexit response.
Agri food exports to Asia grew by 6% to €850m last year. However, those to the UK rose faster, by 7%, to €4.4bn.
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