IFA President Meets Egyptian Ambassador and Ceann Comhairle on Live Exports

IFA President Joe Healy had a very positive meeting with the Egyptian Ambassador Soha Samir Nashd Gendi in Dublin this week, and discussed the opportunities around the live export trade to Egypt.

The meeting was facilitated by the Ceann Comhairle Sean Ó Fearghaíl, following his recent visit to Cairo, where he met with the Egyptian Minister for Agriculture.

Joe Healy said there are real live export opportunities for Irish cattle in Egypt and the Ambassador outlined details of a Government project seeking 1 million head of livestock. He said the Ambassador explained that Ireland has been prioritised as one of the top countries with which Egypt seeks co-operation in the acquisition of top breeds of livestock.

The IFA President thanked the Ceann Comhairle for facilitating the meeting with IFA and the Ambassador and also for his work in advancing agriculture trade issues on his visit to Egypt.

Joe Healy said IFA has requested the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to prioritise a trade visit to Egypt around live exports. He said IFA and the Department of Agriculture are working on getting a veterinary certificate for fattening cattle to Egypt and also on easing the restrictive quarantine arrangements.