DEAR SIR:

News that the Chinese market of almost 1.5 billion people has been opened to Irish beef exports is welcomed as it translates into an excellent opportunity for the Irish beef sector, from farmers through to processors.

Three beef factories have been fully approved by the Chinese authorities and are among the first European beef processors to gain access to China. The three meat factories qualifying under the most exacting production standards demanded by the Chinese and the first European beef factories to gain access to the Chinese market are the Larry Goodman-owned ABP plant in Clones in Co Monaghan, Slaney Meats based in Co Wexford and Donegal Meat Processors.

Hopes are high that approvals for five more will follow. Minister Michael Creed, who will lead a trade mission to China in May, is expected to petition the Chinese for the remaining five beef plants.

These are ABP in Nenagh, Kepak Clonee, Liffey Meats, Dawn Meats Charleville and Kildare Chilling. The opening and development of new markets is an integral part of challenges arising from Brexit and the more markets Ireland can secure access to, the greater chance of delivering a better margin to primary producers.