Lebanese authorities have fully opened the market to Irish beef, sheepmeat and cooked meats.

The market has been closed since 2000/2001, following the BSE crisis. Prior to that approximately €5m worth of Irish beef was exported to Lebanon.

The live trade to the Lebanon was re-opened in May 2001 following high level contacts between the Department and the Lebanese authorities. However, the revised health certificates did not extend to beef and sheepmeat.

ADVERTISEMENT

In a statement yesterday, the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney said: ‘‘This market will provide another valuable outlet for Irish product and will further enhance Ireland’s reputation as a source of high-quality sustainably produced food.’’

He said: ‘‘The Lebanese market is one of huge potential for Irish exporters as they import 60% of beef into a domestic market worth €100m annually.’’

It is understood that veterinary health certificates have been agreed between the Lebanese and Irish authorities, which ensures that trade can start immediately.

Click here to read interview with Kevin Quinn of Quinn International about the Libyan market.