Ireland has become the first EU beef exporter to secure access to China, where demand for beef is already huge and is growing very rapidly.

The breakthrough – for frozen boneless beef – was announced on Monday by Minister for Agricultulre Michael Creed and widely welcomed. It follows efforts over a number of years by the minister, his Department officials, Bord Bia and export companies, among others.

Three Irish factories have been formally approved by Chinese authorities for exports. They are ABP Clones, Co Monaghan, Slaney Meats in Co Wexford and Donegal Meat Processors. The Department of Agriculture will now visit these plants to familiarise staff with protocols and put in place the appropriate stamps and certificates. But within days, these plants will be in a position to start building stocks for shipment to China.

The attractiveness of the Chinese market is indicated by the fact that all Irish export plants have sought export approval. The other plants hoping for approval in coming weeks are ABP in Nenagh, Kepak Clonee, Liffey Meats, Dawn Meats Charleville and Kildare Chilling.

“The opening of this key market presents an excellent opportunity for the Irish beef sector,” Minister Creed said. He will lead an agri-food trade mission to China in May, accompanied by Bord Bia.

This initial approval by the Chinese authorities applies to product from cattle aged under 30 months. Bone-in cuts are excluded, as is offal. The Department of Agriculture hopes to eventually get approval for these categories too. Its first priority is to get all export plants approved.

China’s growing appetite for beef is already benefiting Irish cattle farmers indirectly because it absorbs such volumes from other exporting countries. Last year, imports rose to 700,000t of boneless beef. China bought over €600m of dairy product from Ireland last year.

Bord Bia has an office in China, as does ABP, which has already signed a deal to supply beef once trade starts. Both Foyle and Slaney have also made sales visits to potential customers in China.

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