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Taoiseach welcomes opening of Japanese market for Irish Beef

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at a press conference announcing the opening of the Japanese market to Irish Beef

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at a press conference announcing the opening of the Japanese market to Irish Beef

Taoiseach Enda Kenny today welcomed the announcement by Japan that it is re-opening its beef market to Irish exports. The decision means that Japan is open to Irish beef for the first time since 2001, and marks Ireland as one of a select group of countries allowed to export beef there.

The decision to allow access for Irish beef to Japan comes after a meeting between the Taoiseach and Minister Coveney with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Bord Bia estimates that the short to medium term opportunity for Irish beef in Japan is worth between €12 and €15m with potential for significant expansion beyond that over time.

Commenting on the Japanese decision, the Taoiseach said

It is clear that the agri food sector is a significant driver of economic growth and employment in the Irish economy. With Food Harvest 2020 we have established a vision for the sector, which is being delivered on through a positive and collaborative approach from Government, farmers and industry.

Minister Coveney said:

Japan is a sophisticated market with sophisticated consumer, who are seeking beef product which Ireland can provide. Japan also sets a benchmark for food safety standards, and for that reason access for Irish beef is very significant from a reputational point of view.

The landmark decision taken today is the fruit of detailed technical negotiations between my Department and its counterpart in Tokyo over the last two years, and is true testament to the quality of our beef output. Today’s announcement proves yet again the value of investing in our sustainability and traceability systems and more importantly being able to verify these claims to global customers.