Progressing access for Irish sheepmeat into Japan will be a focus of the upcoming Irish trade mission to the region.

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed will lead the trade mission. In advance of the trip on 10 June, officials from the Department of Agriculture submitted documentation to the Japanese authorities, including a revised draft animal health regulations (AHR), export verification programme (EVP) and proposed draft veterinary health certificate.

Responding to a request for an update on securing market access from Fianna Fáil’s Charlie McConalogue, Minister Creed warned the timeline for market access was a matter for the Japanese authorities.

Beef

Japan recently lifted the ban on beef exports of animals over 30-months following an audit of Irish beef plants in March 2019. The minister said it was a significant achievement and would give rise to an increase in beef exports to Japan.

Having secured initial access in December 2013, beef exports to Japan have risen to 842t in 2018, consisting of mainly frozen offal, particularly tongues. These exports were worth an estimated €3.6m.

Pigmeat is one of Ireland’s biggest agri-food exports to Japan. Last year, 14,805t of pigmeat valued at €41.4m was exported. China, Ireland’s second largest pig export markert, took 58,142t worth €76.6m.

South Korea

The trade mission will also visit South Korea and Minister Creed said access for beef would be a priority. Ireland is currently on step five of an eight-step process with the timing of access to the Korean beef market out of Ireland’s control.

Officials from the Department also wrote to South Korea in February 2018 seeking access for sheepmeat.

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