Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD will this week lead an agri-food trade mission to the United States (Chicago, Ohio and Washington DC), in cooperation with Bord Bia, while Minister of State Martin Heydon TD will lead engagements in Texas and Mexico, according to a statement published on Gov.ie.
Details
Minister McConalogue has announced that agreement has been reached with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on a veterinary health certificate for the export of Irish sheepmeat to the US, according to the statement published on Gov.ie, which also said that securing agreement on a bilateral health certificate allows Irish sheep meat plants to formally apply for approval to export to the US, and that it builds on the publication last December of a USDA rule that removed restrictions on exports of most sheep and goat products from the EU.
Statements By Minister McConalogue
The statement published on Gov.ie included a statement from Minister McConalogue that said, "This agreement provides full access for Irish sheepmeat to the US market. It marks another welcome move in the diversification of overseas markets for Irish sheepmeat in line with the Food Vision 2030 goal of accessing and developing new market opportunities in priority markets. It is the result of diligent work by my officials and the Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC, following the lifting last December of the US ban on EU sheep meat exports. The speedy agreement on certification conditions comes after many years of preparatory work; in particular, UDSA recognition in 2019 of the equivalence Ireland’s sheepmeat inspection system with US domestic standards. It is, therefore, very much a testament to the high standards and reputation of Irish sheep farming. Our sheep farmers are world class producing a safe, sustainable and healthy product that is in demand in markets across the globe."
Minister McConalogue continued, "It is now up to industry working with my department to apply for and complete the plant approval process, over the coming months. I hope to see exporters take advantage of this niche opportunity as soon as possible. In the meantime, I will use this trade mission to raise the profile of Irish grass-fed lamb in the US and promote awareness of it as a premium natural product."
McConalogue is also quoted in the statement on Gov.ie as saying ahead of the trade mission, "I greatly look forward to this important trade mission. The United States is a key market for Irish agri-food exports, with exports valued at €1.3 billion last year. Meeting with Secretary for Agriculture Vilsack and other key players from government and Congress is vital, in maintaining our already excellent relations with the US. I am also eager to take part in our joint event with the World Bank on Sustainable Food Systems, particularly in the context of the Ukraine Crisis."
Statements By Bord Bia CEO
The statement published on Gov.ie included a statement from Bord Bia CEO Tara McCarthy that said, "There has never been a better time for Irish companies to export lamb to the US, with Bord Bia research showing that lamb consumption is growing amongst consumers, particularly in the younger age categories in North America.
"In June, Bord Bia launches a three-year EU co-funded beef and lamb promotion in the US, called 'Working with Nature'. This campaign sees Bord Bia investing €1 million in marketing and promotional seminars, events and promotional activities from 2022 to 2025. This programme shows Bord Bia's ongoing commitment to developing sustainable business relationships for our industry."
McCarthy said that the announcement will allow Bord Bia and the Irish sheepmeat industry to build on the already positive image of Ireland within the US and allow for an expansion of the product range under consideration by US importers, wholesalers and ultimately consumers, according to the statement published on Gov.ie, which also said that, according to Bord Bia's market insights, import volumes of sheepmeat to the US have increased from 103,527 tonnes in 2015 to 166,165 tonnes in 2021, and that of last year's imports, approximately 68% was frozen and 32% was chilled. Australia and New Zealand account for the majority of imports to the US, representing 98% of all imports in volume terms.
McCarthy is also quoted in the statement on Gov.ie as saying, "The US is now Ireland’s second largest export market after the UK, with exports last year valued at €1.3 billion, up 22% on 2020. This trade mission sees Bord Bia engaging in a series of strategic buyer meetings that will support Irish food and drink companies in their efforts to deepen existing key trade relationships and to create new business opportunities. Our focus this week is on business generation and conversion, building the reputation of Irish food and drink exports and identifying value-added opportunities for exporters."
Statement By Minister Of State For New Market Development
The statement published on Gov.ie also included a statement from Minister of State for New Market Development Martin Heydon that said, "It is important to touch base with our growing markets in the southwest of the US - especially Texas - and Mexico to underline the strong credentials of our agri-food exports. This will be the key focus of my visit. Mexico is also a potentially important export market for Irish pigmeat, and I look forward to engaging with key stakeholders from Mexican government, retail and hospitality sectors to help maximise this opportunity for the Irish pig sector."
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