Shipping for live cattle exports secured

CONFIRMATION by the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, that a replacement ship has been approved to transport livestock to continental Europe has been welcomed by farmers.

The Enniscrone farmer elected to chair the ICMSA's livestock committee, Des Morrison, who is very well known in farming circles in Mayo, said it is essential now that live exporters maximise the potential of this market and that the state agencies responsible give them every assistance in this regard.

Mr. Morrison commented: “On behalf of ICMSA, I’d like to compliment the minister, his officials and Stena Line for their efforts on this matter, which will ensure that Irish livestock will be able to be shipped to their markets over the coming weeks.

“We had met directly with Minister Creed on this matter and we’re reassured that this has now been resolved.

“The peak calf trade is about to commence and the live exports option gives that trade a boost and will certainly put a higher ‘floor’ price on the calves this spring.”

Mr. Morrison was also notably positive about developments with regards to the Turkish market: “The announcement that private buyers in Turkey will be able purchase cattle direct from May as well as the establishment of a technical working group on procedures is more good news and will provide further options to live exporters in 2018.

“What’s essential now is that the live exporters and An Bord Bia have a clear focus on maximising the benefits of this trade over the coming months in a way that feeds back into better prices for the farmer producers.”