European sheep meat exports have been excluded from the US market since 1998 due to the presence of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies in certain European Union countries.The new agreement follows on from the publication last December of a US department of agriculture rule which removed restrictions on exports of most sheep and goat products from the EU.
Mr McConalogue said: “This agreement provides full access for Irish sheep meat to the US market. It marks another welcome move in the diversification of overseas markets for Irish sheep meat in line with the Food Vision 2030 goal of accessing and developing new market opportunities in priority markets. It is the result of diligent work by my officials and the Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC, following the lifting last December of the US ban on EU sheep meat exports.
“The speedy agreement on certification conditions comes after many years of preparatory work; in particular, US recognition in 2019 of the equivalence Ireland’s sheep meat inspection system with US domestic standards. It is, therefore, very much a testament to the high standards and reputation of Irish sheep farming. Our sheep farmers are world class producing a safe, sustainable and healthy product that is in demand in markets across the globe.
The Minister said it was now up to industry working with his department to apply for and complete the plant approval process, over the coming months.Growing consumption
But.. But... We are still in the eu and brexit crowd said thia sort of thing required leaving the eu....