The Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon visited the United Kingdom on Wednesday in collaboration with Bord Bia for a series of meetings to support and promote the Irish beef sector in the UK.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that Minister Heydon is trying to “control the controllables” on the trip.

The UK remains Ireland’s most important export market for agri-food produce accounting for exports of €8.1 billion in 2025, with Irish beef leading these exports.

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Since 2021, Irish beef exports to the UK have increased by 60% by value.

During the trip, The Minister met with representatives of key food industry suppliers and processors and purchasers for a discussion on the current position and prospects for Irish beef in the UK market.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that he met with key importers of Irish beef in the UK.

The Minister also met representative organisations to hear about the latest market developments and to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the coming years.

Prospects

“I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit the United Kingdom today to hear first-hand about the current environment for Irish beef in the UK market and the prospects for developing our exports further,” the Minister commented.

“In Ireland we produce the best grass-fed beef in the world. This visit gave me an opportunity to meet with some of the main suppliers and key buyers of Irish beef to understand how we can continue to protect and strengthen Ireland’s position with key customers in the UK.”

The CEO of Bord Bia Jim O’Toole said: “The UK is Ireland’s nearest, largest and most valuable market for beef, and protecting our position requires sustained engagement and strong trading relationships.

“At a time of significant change across the market, it is particularly important that we continue to show up, listen to our customers and partners, and understand the shared opportunities and challenges facing both the Irish and British beef sectors.

“Minister Heydon’s visit reinforces Ireland’s long-term commitment to the market and to supplying customers with high-quality, grass-fed Irish beef,” he said.