The live export trade is vital for Ireland’s €3bn beef and livestock sector, Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) president Tim Cullinan has said, stressing it is essential for price competition and alternative market outlets.

“As an island nation in the EU, Ireland must insist that we have full access to all markets for our livestock,” he said.

It comes after the Green Party dropped its demand for a total ban on all live exports to countries outside the EU as part of government formation talks. The Green Party had described the ban as a “red line” issue for entering government with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

However, the Irish Farmers Journal understands their negotiators have since softened their position.

Standards

The IFA president said Irish live exports operated to the highest animal welfare standards in the world with the Department of Agriculture making it clear they were above those required by the EU.

Minister Creed has consistently pointed out that the Department inspections ensure that the highest animal welfare standards are strictly complied with during transport of live cattle, Cullinan said.

IFA livestock chair Brendan Golden said the government had to guarantee Irish farmers full market access. The government has very detailed and specific research from Teagasc Grange which proves that the highest welfare standards exist under the current live export regulations, Golden said.

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Live exports running 47,364 head behind 2019 levels