Prospects for export of Irish cattle to Turkey have been dented by renewed political instability in the area.

One exporter who had been preparing to start buying for Turkey has put it on hold. The instability is due to military action on the border between Turkey and Syria and resulting economic sanctions by the US.

The latest developments will not reduce demand for livestock in Turkey. However, exporters fear it will be more difficult for Turkish importers to acquire finance.

Proposed review

Meanwhile, IFA livestock chair Angus Woods has warned Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to reject a proposed review of EU regulations on transporting cattle. He was responding to reports that EU agricultural ministers are considering revising the rules, at the request of the Finnish presidency of the EU.

“Weak markets and the Brexit mess mean that the competition provided by the live export trade is now more important than ever.”