Ireland could soon be exporting beef to Canada, the Irish Farmers Journal can exclusively reveal. What have been described as “intensive” negotiations have taken place between Irish and Canadian officials regarding the opening of the trade.

John Masswahl, a senior official with the Canadian Cattlemen Association, has been part of the negotiations between Canada and Europe. Masswahl indicated to the Irish Farmers Journal that a deal between the two sides is edging closer. “The latest briefing I’ve had indicates that, yes, they (Canada and Europe) are at an advanced stage and I am confident that positive results should emerge,” he said.

No definitive figure has been given regarding the volume of beef Ireland would be sending to Canada, but any beef would be grass-fed “green” beef.

This would be aimed at getting premium cuts of beef into high-level restaurants in Canada.

The Canadian market was an important one for Irish beef exporters, including Dawn Meats, prior to the outbreak of BSE in the mid-1990s. It is now hoped that the market can be opened early in 2015.

The development has been welcomed by the IFA and the ICSA, who both said the opening of new markets is important to drive prices for farmers here.

US market

Meanwhile, talks regarding the opening of the Irish beef export market to the United States continue on Capitol Hill as officials look to clear the remaining hurdles.

The ban on Irish beef was lifted last November, while a team of US veterinary officials inspected a number processing plants earlier this year.

During a two-day visit to Ireland in July, US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said he hoped that Irish beef would be on sale in America before the end of the year.

Since then, talks have been ongoing regarding exact details of the volume and specification of beef required for the US market.