New markets announced for NI meat

Ulster Farmers Union deputy president, Ivor Ferguson, has said the announcement that Northern Ireland can now export beef and pork to two key international markets is a positive step for the agri-food industry.

The UFU has identified access to new markets as a key objective, and is pleased DARD has worked hard with industry to gain access to Canada for beef and to India for pork.

“Currency and demand in these markets will ultimately dictate the success of these initiatives. But exporting is a long term strategy, and the more markets we have available, the better will be our position to trade when opportunities arise,” said Mr Ferguson.

He added that while the UK market will remain Northern Ireland's number one for beef and pork, exports boost returns for farmers and processors. “DARD and DEFRA must focus on opening markets and developing trade beyond the EU. There is a demand in these markets for the high quality produce farmers in Northern Ireland can and will deliver,” he said.

Local processors should be able to export both primal cuts and manufacturing beef to Canada under this new arrangement. “The Canadian beef herd is recovering from a period of decline. Forecasts suggest its domestic beef supplies will be tight in 2016, so hopefully this will be an opportunity for exports. Our hope is that these will help tackle the poor prices farmers are currently facing,” said Mr Ferguson.

The agreement with the Indian authorities is equally positive for Northern Ireland’s hard pressed pig sector. “India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Access to a market of over 1.3 billion people will provide new opportunities for Northern Ireland,” said Mr Ferguson. He said that while demand for meat in India is relatively low, wealth from economic growth in developing countries boosts spending power and their demand for meat.

“In recent months, we have secured market access for pork to China and now India. However, I would urge DARD officials and the minister not to rest on their successes, but to intensify their drive for exports by opening up access to Australia,” said Mr Ferguson.

Ulster Farmers Union deputy president, Ivor Ferguson, has said the announcement that Northern Ireland can now export beef and pork to two key international markets is a positive step for the agri-food industry.

The UFU has identified access to new markets as a key objective, and is pleased DARD has worked hard with industry to gain access to Canada for beef and to India for pork.

“Currency and demand in these markets will ultimately dictate the success of these initiatives. But exporting is a long term strategy, and the more markets we have available, the better will be our position to trade when opportunities arise,” said Mr Ferguson. He added that while the UK market will remain Northern Ireland's number one for beef and pork, exports boost returns for farmers and processors. “DARD and DEFRA must focus on opening markets and developing trade beyond the EU. There is a demand in these markets for the high quality produce farmers in Northern Ireland can and will deliver,” he said.

Local processors should be able to export both primal cuts and manufacturing beef to Canada under this new arrangement. “The Canadian beef herd is recovering from a period of decline. Forecasts suggest its domestic beef supplies will be tight in 2016, so hopefully this will be an opportunity for exports. Our hope is that these will help tackle the poor prices farmers are currently facing,” said Mr Ferguson.

The agreement with the Indian authorities is equally positive for Northern Ireland’s hard pressed pig sector. “India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Access to a market of over 1.3 billion people will provide new opportunities for Northern Ireland,” said Mr Ferguson.

He said that while demand for meat in India is relatively low, wealth from economic growth in developing countries boosts spending power and their demand for meat.

“In recent months, we have secured market access for pork to China and now India. However, I would urge DARD officials and the minister not to rest on their successes, but to intensify their drive for exports by opening up access to Australia,” said Mr Ferguson.