The idea of an organisation to represent live exporters was encouraged by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed at a meeting between the exporters and the Minister on Thursday.

A spokesperson for Minister Creed told the Irish Farmers Journal that this was an important and timely dialogue with a key pillar of the livestock sector.

“The Minister took the opportunity to impress upon exporters the need to consider collective representation in order to improve the sectors interaction with key stakeholders from regulators to commercial transporters.

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“Minister Creed briefed the meeting on the Department’s efforts in terms of developing markets in Libya, Algeria, Egypt and elsewhere and committed to make every effort to co-operate with exporters in maximising opportunities for calf exports in the season ahead,” the spokesperson said.

During the meeting the Minister reiterated his and the Government’s commitment to maintaining and developing live exports from Ireland. Minister Creed also highlighted the importance of adherence to the highest standards in animal welfare for the transportation of livestock.

Turkey

The Minister will travel to Turkey on Wednesday 6 March with senior department officials, to discuss the re-establishment and future development of Irish cattle exports, with the Turkish government.

In mid-January Turkey put a temporary ban on imports of live animals to protect its own market.

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