Exports of Irish sheepmeat to Japan can commence from next Friday, 19 July, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has announced.
The Japanese authorities have now formally agreed the export verification programme and export certificate as proposed by his department.
It follows an agreement reached during Minister Creed’s trade mission to Tokyo last month.
Ireland now has access for both beef and sheepmeat exports to Japan, which he said was a strong endorsement of Ireland's food safety and quality credentials, and of the working relationships at Government and official level.
“I want to thank my Japanese ministerial counterparts and their officials for the rapid conclusion of the formalities of sheepmeat access, following our detailed discussions last month,” he said.
He also thanked “team Ireland” in Tokyo, led by ambassador Paul Kavanagh, and including Bord Bia’s new Tokyo office.
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