The EU has concluded a free trade agreement (FTA) with Singapore, in a deal that has positive implications for European agriculture.

With a population bigger than Ireland (5.5m) in an area smaller than Co Louth, Singapore has practically no agricultural land, so can be a destination for Irish and EU exports.

It is an affluent society, with the third-highest GDP per capita in the world, so can be targeted with value-added elite brands.

Singapore has no restrictions on imports, so the trade deal has no positive or negative implications in that regard.

The Irish Dairy Board (IDB) and Bord Bia both export to Singapore already and it is seen by both as a growth market.

The real value is in the fact that until now Singapore has been a trenchant opponent of the EU’s preferential support for vulnerable sectors in vulnerable regions.

The use of geographical indicators was being contested by Singapore at World Trade Organisation level.

The FTA now sees Singapore support the 196 GI’s currently approved by the EU. These products will now receive market protection in Singapore.

Irish GIs, including Connemara hill lamb, Timoleague brown pudding and Clare Island salmon, will now benefit from these new provisions.