There is growing confidence that the lucrative Turkish market will soon open to live Irish cattle.

The country imported 120,000 live cattle from France last year. However, in recent weeks Turkish veterinary authorities extended the list of French zones from which they will not accept cattle, due to the presence of bluetongue.

There remains strong demand in Turkey for young continental cross cattle for further finishing in order to satisfy growing demand for beef. As a result, Turkish cattle importers are looking for new suppliers of live cattle and are applying pressure on their authorities for advance agreement of a veterinary health certificate with Ireland.

A state veterinary official from Turkey visited Ireland in December for discussions on opening the trade. This month, the Turkish authorities sent a questionnaire to the Department of Agriculture seeking further information on animal health measures in place here.

On Wednesday the Department of Agriculture confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that it had received a very detailed technical questionnaire from the Turkish authorities.

The questionnaire is complex and detailed and is being actively worked on. It is expected that the questionnaire will be completed within a matter of weeks,” the Department said in a statement.

The Turkish authorities would have a requirement for a 21-day quarantine in Ireland before shipping, as well as other detailed and specific animal health requirements, it said. The Department said it had made numerous contacts with Turkish authorities in recent years about opening this trade.

Accelerate negotiations

IFA Livestock chair Henry Burns yesterday called on Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney to accelerate these negotiations.

“Turkey imported a total of 380,000 head of live cattle in 2015, the majority from South America.

“Turkish importers have indicated to IFA that the country will import up to 500,000 head of live cattle in 2016.

“Turkey is a high priced beef market and capable of being a substantial and competitive buyer of Irish livestock once certification is agreed.”

In recent weeks a number of Irish exporters received inquiries from Turkish livestock importers about supply of cattle.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that one major exporter is now acquiring suitable cattle in the expectation that the trade will open.

The Turkish market imports continental cross type cattle that are under 12 months of age and no more than 300kg weight.

However, news that Turkey wants a 21 quarantine period will be a disappointment to exporters.