Irish beef exports to China have resumed more than two-and-a-half years after they were suspended by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the back of a reported case of mad cow disease.
The Department's surveillance programme detected what it termed "an isolated case of atypical BSE" before the beef was allowed to enter the food chain, and posed "no risk to human health".
Atypical BSE occurs naturally and sporadically in all cattle populations at a very low rate and is not considered a public health risk, the Department said.
Beef exports with the world's second-largest economy were immediately suspended upon discovery in May 2020 as a precautionary measure in line with the bilateral protocol on the trade agreed with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
Ireland first secured access to China for the export of frozen boneless beef in April 2018, with exports growing steadily before the suspension.
In Association with
Irish beef exports to China, including Hong Kong which operates under different market access rules, fell from €96m in 2019 to €45m in 2021 as a result of the decision.
“Negotiating the resumption of beef access has been a top priority for my Department over the last two and a half years," said Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue.
"Together with colleagues in the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing, my officials have been in ongoing contact with the Chinese authorities since the start of the suspension. They provided the necessary technical information for evaluation by Chinese experts.
"Earlier this year, as a result of my communication with my counterpart in charge of GACC, our officials engaged in further bilateral talks to finalise the restoration of beef access based on scientific principles.
“Ireland’s reputation as an exporter of high-quality beef worldwide hinges on its compliance with stringent animal health and food safety standards. As a major food exporter, we are always very conscious of the concerns of our customers. China’s decision to resume Irish beef imports on the same conditions as before represents a clear vote of confidence in the output of our beef sector.
“This decision is a great vote of confidence in our beef sector and our committed suckler and beef farmers who produce a world class product. I look forward to seeing the value of the Chinese market grow in the time ahead to reward the efforts of everyone involved.”
Minister of State Martin Heydon said the government would continue to work with Chinese authorities to enhance Ireland's access to the Chinese food and drink market.
"I know that Bord Bia will soon set in motion a programme of promotions to allow exporters capitalise on the opportunities offered by this announcement," he continued.
"Prior to the suspension, overall Irish beef exports to China were on an upward trajectory and I am confident that we can quickly regain momentum and market share there.
“I want to recognise the role of Ireland’s Ambassador to China, Dr Ann Derwin, the current and previous agricultural attachés, and all the team at the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing for their efforts in presenting at every opportunity a reasoned case on the safety of Irish beef exports.
"I also want to acknowledge the work of Bord Bia Shanghai in communicating the quality and sustainability of Irish beef to key trade customers in China.”
Photo: STR/AFP via Getty Images
