merrion street

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, T.D.today confirmed that Ireland has secured access to the Japanese market for sheepmeat.

I am delighted to announce market access for Irish sheepmeat to Japan,  agreed in principle during my Trade Mission to Tokyo last month.

Minister Creed said.

The Japanese authorities have now formally agreed the export verification programme and export certificate as proposed by my Department, to take effect from next Friday 19 July.

Details will be confirmed to industry shortly via a Trader Notice.

Today’s announcement reflects the ongoing focused effort by my Department  to open and enhance market access to key markets.  We now have access for both beef and sheepmeat exports to Japan, a strong endorsement of Ireland food safety and quality credentials, and of our excellent working relationships, both at Government and official level.

Minister Creed said.

I want to thank my Japanese Ministerial counterparts and their officials  for the rapid conclusion of the formalities of sheepmeat access, following our detailed discussions last month.

Minister Creed concluded,

Thanks are also due to Team Ireland in Tokyo, led by Ambassador Paul Kavanagh, and including Bord Bia’s new Tokyo office. I am pleased that the first agricultural attaché from my Department to Tokyo will join this team in the autumn.  With a strong EU Japan Economic Partnership Agreement in place, not to mention the upcoming Rugby World Cup, there will be significant opportunities to promote Irish food and drink in the Japanese market.