The live export of calves from Ireland to the Netherlands is facing a fresh threat following the publication of a Dutch action plan for calves.
The plan includes an aim “to stop importing calves from Ireland in 2028 and by 2030 at the latest”.
This report follows numerous plans in recent years to phase out or ban Dutch veal producers from importing calves from Ireland. The most recent plan to curtail the importation of calves from countries that did not have an IBR control programme was derailed due to tight supplies of calves linked to the bluetongue virus. There are heightened fears that this report could gain more traction, as it is a coordinated approach between a body pushing for tighter animal welfare regulations, a group representing the veal sector, and a young farmers organisation.
If this latest threat materialises it would be a huge blow for Irish calf exports, with the Dutch market importing over 80,000 calves from Ireland to date in 2026.
Seamus McMenamin, Bord Bia livestock sector manager said: “This recent news is disappointing, however, perhaps unsurprising given developments in the market more recently.
“Bord Bia will continue to maintain engagement with key stakeholders and communication in the market, while at the same time exploring opportunities for Irish animals in alternative markets.”
The report aims that in the future all calves on Dutch farms “will be born in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany or southern Denmark”.
It was presented last week to the Dutch government.
SHARING OPTIONS