ICSA SHEEP CHAIRMAN AGREES WITH MEAT INDUSTRY ON PROMOTION OF SHEEPMEAT ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE DELEGATIONS

31st August 2015

ICSA sheep chairman John Brooks has backed up calls by John Walsh of ICM Camolino meat plant for more emphasis on sheep exports on trade missions to countries like China and the USA.   “The focus has been on beef but it would make sense if sheepmeat was also pushed on these diplomatic initiatives.  We have an excellent product that fits perfectly with the Origin Green strategy and clean, green image but we need more and better markets.”

According to Mr Brooks, this is now urgent in light of potential difficulties in the French market.  “The escalation of protests by French farmers looks like it may put pressure on imports of Irish lamb to France.  France has traditionally been the key export market for Irish lamb and any hostility to Irish lamb exports there could spell trouble for the sheep sector.   We need to ensure that all our eggs are not in the one basket.”

Mr Brooks went on to say that markets like China and the USA could be a real asset.  The US does not have a significant domestic supply of sheepmeat and it seems logical that Irish lamb could be a high value niche product in US restaurants as well as in some retail outlets.  On the other hand, China could be a vital market to ensure that we can maximise value from the whole lamb.” 

“I am calling on Minister Coveney to ensure that sheepmeat is also pushed adequately on future trade delegations to these countries and indeed to other markets that haven’t gotten the same attention yet.”