Ireland to export more cattle to Turkey
Ahmet Esref Fakibaba, the Turkish Minister for Agriculture, and the director general from Turkish Meat and Milk Board (ESK) told the Irish official that starting from May private sector buyers will be allowed to import cattle for fattening, the Irish Farmers Journal reports.
Currently, all sales of livestock are being held through the state-controlled ESK.
"Being able to sell fattening cattle direct to private buyers will open up valuable new opportunities for trade," Minister Creed said.
Last year, Ireland's cattle sales to Turkey reached 16% of the country's total live shipments or 30,000 cattle.
According to the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods, IFA and Bord Bia visited this market last October and it is clear that there is real potential for increased export.
“Based on positive discussions we had with the Turkish Meat and Milk Board (ESK), it is clear Turkey has an import requirement for 500,000 head of live cattle each year. Ireland could supply up to 100,000 head of this requirement on an annual basis,” Mr. Woods said.
Furthermore, Mr. Woods said the priority on live exports right now is for Minister Creed to secure full ferry access for Irish calf exports to EU markets over the coming weeks when the Stena ferry goes into dry dock. He added that Minister Creed is responsible for market access and he has to deliver alternative full ferry access before February 20th until March 19th, which is peak calf export season. Angus Woods said with the IFA's increased cow numbers the Minister needs to target an additional 100,000 head of live exports this year, according to a statement released by IFA.
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