There is debate in Holland about the sustainability of its veal industry, which is being challenged by nitrogen limits and welfare concerns.

That includes transport of calves from distant suppliers, such as the Baltic states, Czech Republic – and Ireland.

Boerderij farming magazine recently looked at the issues. The industry finishes 1.5m calves a year, half imported. Imports this year are 700,600 head. Three-quarters came from Germany. Ireland has grown to be the second largest supplier at 84,400 in 2019. Calves also come from Belgium, Luxembourg and Denmark. Some observers predicted to Boerderij that calf imports could decrease in the long term. If veal numbers are cut by nitrogen limits, imports from markets involving longer journey times could decrease.

As well as tighter EU transport rules, there is lobbying by animal welfare groups and also by some farm organisations who see imported calves as competition.

However, other factors work in Ireland’s favour. Bluetongue has slashed calf imports from Belgium. African swine fever in Eastern Europe has restrained imports. Ireland is free from both. Polish farmers now finish more stock to beef – it was a major supplier.

Ireland is disadvantaged by not having the same IBR status as Germany and other countries.

A representative of veal producers pointed out that calf transport is strictly controlled and generally well operated. He noted good demand by veal farms for calves from Ireland and the Baltic states, and their good performance. Analysis by Wageningen University showed that imported calves have lower use of antibiotics than Dutch calves, he said.