22nd March, 2013

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association has welcomed the announcement by the Department of Agriculture that Irish beef exports to Iran can now resume.  
 
The Iranian authorities banned imports of Irish beef in 1996.  Minister Simon Coveney today announced that the market is to re-open for Irish boneless beef from animals aged under 30 months.  
 
ICSA beef committee chair, Edmond Phelan, said, “This is potentially good news for Irish beef producers and for the Irish economy – the more markets for Irish beef the better.  However, it remains to be seen if the Iranian market will return a viable price.”  

“With a population of almost 80 million people, and an expanding middle class, Iran is a potentially useful market.  While EU markets will continue to account for the vast majority of Irish beef exports, gaining new international outlets is an important element in ensuring that there will be sufficient demand to keep Irish beef price on an upward curve.”