Boost for beef farmers as UAE re-opens market – Brady

Beef farmers will get a boost from the re-opening of the Unite Arab Emirates market to Irish beef according to the Chair of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, Johnny Brady.

“The UAE ban on Irish beef has been in place since January 2001. In 2000 exports of Irish beef to the UAE amounted to over 5,200 tonnes and were valued at almost €8.3million.”

“The lifting of the ban follows a review of beef controls in a number of EU countries including Ireland.”

“The UAE market will be re-opened to Irish beef within 30 months.”

“The production of Irish beef is subject to rigorous controls emphasising our commitment to the highest standards of food safety.”

“I know that the Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith and his officials together with Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs have worked hard on this issue. It is vital that Irish farmer have access to as many markets as possible and I know that this is a priority for Minister Smith,” concluded Deputy Brady.