IFA President Highlights Importance of Live Export of Animals to Other EU Countries

IFA President Francie Gorman has highlighted how important a strong live export trade is for Irish agriculture in terms of price competition as well as providing an alternative market outlet for Irish livestock which are in high demand across the EU owing to their quality.

This follows the decision by Brittany Ferries to cease facilitating the transport of live animals to France from September.

The IFA President said Irish farmers cannot have access to the Single Market determined by the commercial decisions of ferry companies or any other service providers. 

He said the Minister for Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture have made it clear that Ireland operates to the highest standards, not just EU standards, but EU-Plus standards, with inspections and continual monitoring to ensure that ‘the highest animal welfare standards are strictly complied with during transport of live cattle from this country’.

Francie Gorman said there are other carriers of livestock from Ireland and other means that are utilised for older animals, but any contraction in services to access the Single EU Market for our cattle is a concern. 

“I raised this issue with the Minister today. It is imperative that he and his EU colleagues ensure Irish cattle continue to have unhindered access to the marketplace,” concluded the President.